WE ALMOST NEVER think of the present, and when we do, it is only to see what light it throws on our plans for the future.

The self is a repeatedly reconstructed biological state.

Do not ask questions until you have trained yourself not to know the answers.

The Right Honourable gentleman is indebted to his memory for his jests and to his imagination for his facts.

Search well and be wise, nor believe that self-willed pride will ever be better than good counsel.

How loud clocks can tick when a room is empty, and one is alone!

I'm a living abortion.

Twenty miles out of town. A million miles from the life you left behind.

Every journalist owes tribute to the evil one.

Art, after all, is traditionally displayed against vacancies: paintings on dun walls, sculptures in empty spaces, music in quiet halls.

Politicians are always interested in people. Not that this is always a virtue. Fleas are interested in dogs.

What joy is better than the news of friends?