The accouterments of life were so rich and varied, so elaborated, that almost no place at all was left for life itself. Each and every accessory was so costly and beautiful that it had an existence above and beyond the purpose it was meant to serve – confusing the observer and absorbing attention.

It is remarkable how a man cannot summarize his thoughts in even the most general sort of way without betraying himself completely, without putting his whole self into it, quite unawares, presenting as if in allegory the basic themes and problems of his life.

All interest in disease and death is only another expression of interest in life.

Stupid — well, there are so many kinds of stupidity, and cleverness is one of the worst.

We don't love qualities, we love persons; sometimes by reason of their defects as well as of their qualities.

He probably was mediocre after all, though in a very honorable sense of that word.

It is love, not reason, that is stronger than death.