As we grow older we become more conscious of the complexity, incoherence, and unreasonableness of human beings; this indeed is the only excuse that offers for the middle-aged or elderly writer whose thoughts should more properly be turned to graver matters, occupying himself with the trivial concerns of imaginary people.

You learn more quickly under the guidance of experienced teachers. You waste a lot of time going down blind alleys if you have no one to lead you.

I can imagine no more comfortable frame of mind for the conduct of life than a humorous resignation.

People are always a little disconcerted when you don't recognize them, they are so important to themselves, it is a shock to discover of what small importance they are to others. [The human element]

Beauty is an ecstasy; it is as simple as hunger.

It is bad enough to know the past; it would be intolerable to know the future.

In business sharp practice sometimes succeeds, but in art honesty is not only the best but the only policy.