The only living works are those which have drained much of the author's own life into them.

People in general are equally horrified at hearing the Christian religion doubted, and at seeing it practiced.

Evil is like water, it abounds, is cheap, soon fouls, but runs itself clear of taint.

It is a wise tune that knows its own father, and I like my music to be the legitimate offspring of respectable parents.

Virtue knows that it is impossible to get on without compromise, and tunes herself, as it were, a trifle sharp to allow for an inevitable fall in playing.

Christ: I dislike him very much. Still, I can stand him. What I cannot stand is the wretched band of people whose profession is to hoodwink us about him.

Books want to be born: I never make them. They come to me and insist on being written, and on being such and such.