Definite gifts render their possessors capable of overcoming any obstacle this side of death; they create an impetus of far more genuine value than external advantages in some other career where the impulse to make use of them remains weak or non-existent. The work that one enjoys is the greatest source of happiness and vitality in life.

There is an abiding beauty which may be appreciated by those who will see things as they are and who will ask for no reward except to see.

Few of humanity's characteristics are more disconcerting than its ability to reduce world-events to its own level, wherever this may happen to be.

The joys of motherhood are not excessively apparent during the first few weeks of a baby's life.

belated maternity has had its compensations; small children have a habit of conferring persistent youth upon their parents, and by their eager vitality postpone the unenterprising cautions and timidities of middle age.

Venice is all sea and sculpture.

Politics are usually the executive expression of human immaturity.