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

You must not pursue a success, but fly from it.

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 world is quickly bored by the recital of misfortune, and willing avoids the sight of distress.

It is not true that suffering ennobles the character; happiness does that sometimes, but suffering for the most part, makes men petty and vindictive.

There are times when I look over the various parts of my character with perplexity. I recognize that I am made up of several persons and that the person that at the moment has the upper hand will inevitably give place to another. But which is the real one? All of them or none?

Love is only a dirty trick played on us to achieve continuation of the species.