One does not really feel much grief at other people's sorrows; one tries, and puts on a melancholy face, thinking oneself brutal for not caring more; but one cannot and it is better, for if one grieved too deeply at other people's tears, life would be unendurable; and every man has sufficient sorrows of his own without taking to heart his neighbour's.

The great American novel has not only already been written, it has already been rejected.

The secret of play-writing can be given in two maxims: stick to the point, and, whenever you can, cut.

Insensibly he formed the most delightful habit in the world, the habit of reading: he did not know that thus he was providing himself with a refuge from all the distress of life; he did not know either that he was creating for himself an unreal world which would make the real world of every day a source of bitter disappointment.

The passing moment is all we can be sure of; it is only common sense to extract its utmost value from it.

Self-control might be as passionate and as active as the surrender to passion.

Reserve is an artificial quality that is developed in most of us but as the result of innumerable rebuffs.