Writing ... it begins as an amusement, then it becomes a mistress, then a master, and finally a tyrant.

The water was not fit to drink. To make it palatable, we had to add whisky. By diligent effort, I learned to like it.

Dictators ride to and fro upon tigers which they dare not dismount. And the tigers are getting hungry.

My rule of life prescribed as an absolutely sacred rite smoking cigars and also the drinking of alcohol before, after and if need be during all meals and in the intervals between them.

If you want to discover new oceans, you must first have the courage to leave shore.

I cannot pretend to be impartial about the colours. I rejoice with the brilliant ones, and am genuinely sorry for the poor browns.

It helps to write down half a dozen things which are worrying me. Two of them, say, disappear; about two of them nothing can be done, so it's no use worrying; and two perhaps can be settled.