the majority of critical, and plenty of uncritical, readers find quotations a bore.

I feel I must fight for [my music], because I want women to turn their minds to big and difficult jobs; not just to go on hugging the shore, afraid to put out to sea.

The charms of seclusion are seldom combined with the conveniences of civilization.

crawling about the floor like half-dead November flies is one thing, and dancing reels another.

when I came to know Greek art I instantly understood that excess and perfection are enemies; yet on the other hand this world and the millions of worlds around us live by fire ... !

acceptance is an art that must be mastered if we want to keep our friends for the span of life that remains to us, and presently step off the stage with our self-respect intact.

no one is more trustworthy than the repentant sinner who has been found out.

if you take passionate interest in a subject, it is hard not to believe yourself specially equipped for it.

I can imagine nothing more tiresome than always to speak of people as if they were listening at the door.

[On golf:] ... though aware I could never be more than a humble potterer, it was impossible to repress the wild upsurgings of hope known to all middle-aged beginners.

It's a hard life if you don't weaken.

The five separate fingers are five independent units. Close them and the fist multiplies strength. This is organization.

The first time you say something, it's heard. The second time, it's recognized, and the third time it's learned.

We belong to an age whose culture is in danger of perishing through the means to culture.

When you're gone I can go running though the house screaming and no one will ever hear me.

I forced myself to picture the last moments. The penultimate breath. A final sigh. And yet. It was always followed by another.

Bankers are just like anybody else, only richer

Life has to be described in pure and simple physical and physiological terms. It must be demystified and depsychologised

It is always too soon to quit.

Yes, long hours and a hard life for my parents, but for a six to seven year old every new day dawned with fresh excitement when you have not a care in the world, and so much to learn and witness.