I knew I belonged to the public and to the world, not because I was talented or even beautiful, but because I had never belonged to anything or anyone else.

Man is the only creature that refuses to be what he is.

Trouble springs from idleness, and grievous toil from needless ease.

You wouldn't believe the kind of hate mail I get about my work on irregular verbs.

Those who do not want to imitate anything, produce nothing.