We are not commanded (or forbidden) to love our mates, our children, our friends, our country because such affections come naturally to us and are good in themselves, although we may corrupt them. We are commanded to love our neighbor because our natural attitude toward the other is one of either indifference or hostility.

The way to read a fairy tale is to throw yourself in.

In addition to English, at least one ancient language, probably Greek or Hebrew, and two modern languages would be required.

I used to try and concentrate the poem so much that there wasn't a word that wasn't essential. This leads to becoming boring and constipated.

Pleasure is by no means an infallible critical guide, but it is the least fallible.

I and the public know What all schoolchildren learn, Those to whom evil is done Do evil in return.

Every high C accurately struck demolishes the theory that we are the irresponsible puppets of fate or chance.