Dinner-parties bore us because our imagination is absent, and reading interests us because it is keeping us company.

Only imagination and belief can differentiate from the rest certain objects, certain people, and can create an atmosphere.

...we need to bear in mind that our opinion of other people, our ties with friends or family, have only the semblance of fixity and are, in fact, as eternally fluid as the sea.

She was not yet dead. But I was already alone.

There is nothing like desire for obstructing any resemblance between what one says and what one has on one's mind.

Quite half of the human race was in tears.

He [Bloch] was one of those touchy, highly-strung people who cannot bear to have made a blunder, will not admit it to themselves, and whose whole day is ruined by it.

We forgive the crimes of individuals, but not their participation in a collective crime.

Certainly, it is more reasonable to devote one's life to women than to postage stamps, old snuff-boxes, or even to paintings and statues.

We have no choice. We need the communion of souls and only here are they awake.

Rough work iconoclasm but the only way to get at the truth.

I'm not a stranger," I said, and pointed to his book. "I'm someone who reads the same authors you do.

The world changes, and all that once was strong now proves unsure.

The Government's mission is to build a strong and fair Australia capable of meeting the new challenges of the 21st century.

It's a Vietnamese soup that answers the question, 'What happens when a former child soldier pours hot rain water over fish nightmares.' It's delicious and I can't stop eating it, that's what happens.

I think it's just having the support of our parents. Knowing that they're going to keep you on the right path and guide you.

The most dangerous thing in the world is to have no purpose.

If die I must, let me die drinking in an Inn.

Worry is interest paid before it's due.