Intelligence in isolation turns to aimless marauding.
Intelligence without power cannibalizes itself.
Intelligence is predatory, but full of fastidiousness and frights.
Drunks do not have friends, but accomplices.
Sentimentality is the respect the cold-hearted pay to feeling.
The sentimental want to be thrilled by everything.
The winner gives up his chance to be a good sport.
The tragic hero prefers death to prudence. The comedian prefers playing tricks to winning. Only the villain really plays to win.
Winning means outlasting everyone else.
Being charming takes time and effort, and I am busy.
Every good time that goes on too long turns into a hell.
Skepticism does not preserve us from foolhardy deeds.
Pessimists fear becoming the dupes of Hope. Optimists enjoy Hope’s company, and consider being duped no great matter.
Laughter and tears may not persuade, but they cannot be refuted.
The most reliable pleasure afforded by theater is the intermission.
Clothes make the body both mysterious and historical.
An old man drinks tea and reads the newspaper – forgetting age for a moment.
Old age likes indecency. It’s a sign of life.
Dirty old men, ignoring society, continue to follow nature.
As a youth, I sought out decadence; as an elder, I try to avoid decay.