It's very hard to be a gentleman and a writer.

I am sick of this way of life. The weariness and sadness of old age make it intolerable. I have walked with death in hand, and death's own hand is warmer than my own. I don't wish to live any longer.

The great critic … must be a philosopher, for from philosophy he will learn serenity, impartiality, and the transitoriness of human things.

I always find it more difficult to say the things I mean than the things I don't.

For the complete life, the perfect pattern includes old age as well as youth and maturity.

D'you call life a bad job? Never! We've had our ups and downs, we've had our struggles, we've always been poor, but it's been worth it, ay, worth it a hundred times I say when I look round at my children.

The first duty of a woman is to be pretty, the second is to be well-groomed, and the third is never to contradict.