To take a gloomy view of life is not part of my philosophy; to laugh at the idiocies of my fellow creatures is. However, at this particular moment I cannot find so much to laugh at as I would like.

Wit ought to be a glorious treat like caviar; never spread it about like marmalade.

It is discouraging how many people are shocked by honesty and how few by deceit.

There's always something fishy about the French.

Mona Lisa looks as if she has just been sick, or is about to be.

I love criticism just so long as it's unqualified praise.

Work is much more fun than fun.

A perfect martini should be made by filling a glass with gin then waving it in the general direction of Italy.

For gin, in cruel sober truth, supplies the fuel for flaming youth.

Work hard, do the best you can, don't ever lose faith in yourself and take no notice of what other people say about you.

You will know you're old when you cease to be amazed.

I eyed her like a thirsty traveler in the desert looks at a pail of water.

Writing has laws of perspective, of light and shade just as painting does, or music. If you are born knowing them, fine. If not, learn them. Then rearrange the rules to suit yourself.

Still the hottest angel I know," he murmured. "It's beyond me how you're still on staff.

No doubt those who really founded modern science were usually those whose love of truth exceeded their love of power.

Good manners will often take people where neither money nor education will take them.

I was not raised with wealth or resources or any social standing to speak of.

There are very few people who are creative and imaginative. Therefore, fiction is difficult for people to embrace.

Before we understand science, it is natural to believe that God created the universe. But now science offers a more convincing explanation.

I believe in pulling together to make the country better right rather than pulling, tearing it apart for partisan reasons. I think the country comes first.

The work of a writer, his continuing work, depends for breath of life on a certain privacy of heart.