But poetry is not to be lived, except for the few to whom it is more important than self-preservation.

The novel will never die, but it will keep changing and evolving and taking different shapes.

I have decided to keep a record of my inmost real-self thoughts. Perhaps it will help me to find out what I really am like: horrid, I know: selfish, conceited, and material-minded. For instance, lately whenever I've tried to concentrate on anything serious or beautiful, I've started thinking about the Spencers' dance next week. I am ashamed of my pettiness. I'm going to try to do better this year--develop my character more and not always be thinking about enjoying myself. I've always been so happy, I dread disappointment and unhappiness, but they would be good for me. But I don't want them.

How long, I wonder, will ignorance spell purity and knowledge shame?

when two people unite, kindness must be mutual, or shocking things will happen.

Looking back into childhood is like looking into a semi-transparent globe within which people and places lie embedded. A shake - and they stir, rise up, circle in inter-weaving groups, then settle down again.

Convention is another name for the habits of society.