The qualities of a second-rate writer can easily be defined, but a first-rate writer can only be experienced. It is just the thing in him which escapes analysis that makes him first-rate.

In this world people have to pay an extortionate price for any exceptional gift whatever.

We all like people who do things, even if we only see their faces on cigar-box lids.

I tell you there is such a thing as creative hate.

Let people go on talking as they like, and we will go on living as we think best.

The sincerity of feeling that is possible between a writer and a reader is one of the finest things I know.

It is easy to pity when once one's vanity has been tickled.