Quotes

A cat is only itself, representative of the strong forces of life that won't let go.

Somebody once asked me what my theory of life was, and I said, 'Don't try.' That fits the writing, too. I don't try; I just type.

Those who have been writing literature have not been writing life.

When I say that basically writing is a hard hustle, I don't mean that it is a bad life, if one can get away with it. It's the miracle of miracles to make a living by the typer.

In life, as in chess, forethought wins.

Happiness, that grand mistress of the ceremonies in the dance of life, impels us through all its mazes and meanderings, but leads none of us by the same route.

Life isn't like a book. Life isn't logical or sensible or orderly. Life is a mess most of the time. And theology must be lived in the midst of that mess.

There are three modes of bearing the ills of life, by indifference, by philosophy, and by religion.

In life we shall find many men that are great, and some that are good, but very few men that are both great and good.

The two most precious things this side of the grave are our reputation and our life. But it is to be lamented that the most contemptible whisper may deprive us of the one, and the weakest weapon of the other.

I learned one thing in Watergate: I was well-intentioned but rationalized illegal behavior. You cannot live your life other than walking in the truth. Your means are as important as your ends.

It is the small things in life which count; it is the inconsequential leak which empties the biggest reservoir.

I've never been one for late nights, which is why I have always preferred making films to theatre. A play takes over your life: you start to feel sick at lunchtime, and by mid-afternoon, you're wishing for a bomb scare so the whole thing will be called off. Of course, if the evening goes well and you get the applause, then it's wonderful.

A man who dares to waste one hour of time has not discovered the value of life.

Don't ask me who's influenced me. A lion is made up of the lambs he's digested, and I've been reading all my life.

As an adolescent I was convinced that France would have to go through gigantic trials, that the interest of life consisted in one day rendering her some signal service and that I would have the occasion to do so.

Without mysteries, life would be very dull indeed. What would be left to strive for if everything were known?

Life is like art. You have to work hard to keep it simple and still have meaning.

We forge the chains we wear in life.

Whatever I have tried to do in life, I have tried with all my heart to do it well; whatever I have devoted myself to, I have devoted myself completely; in great aims and in small I have always thoroughly been in earnest.

There is nothing so strong or safe in an emergency of life as the simple truth.

Life is made of ever so many partings welded together.

I know I do not exaggerate, unconsciously and unintentionally, the scantiness of my resources and the difficulty of my life... I know that, but for the mercy of God, I might easily have been, for any care that was taken of me, a little robber or a vagabond.

Anything for the quick life, as the man said when he took the situation at the lighthouse.

Simplicity is making the journey of this life with just baggage enough.