“People nowadays think that scientists exist to instruct them, poets, musicians, etc. to give them pleasure. The idea that these have something to teach them”

“It’s a good idea, when people are curious, to give them something to sustain that curiosity—and direct it.”

“I have spent the best years of my life giving people the lighter pleasures, helping them have a good time, and all I get is abuse, the existence of a hunted man.”

“Give them pleasure – the same pleasure they have when they wake up from a nightmare.”

“I don't think you tell someone you love them because you expect something. I think you tell them because you have something to give.”

“People think that I can teach them style. What stuff it all is! Have something to say, and say it as clearly as you can. That is the only secret of style.”

“An artist is someone who produces things that people don't need to have but that he - for some reason - thinks it would be a good idea to give them.”

“Most musicians remain poor. But the music that they make, even if it does not bring them millions, gives millions of people happiness.”

“Presents are made for the pleasure of who gives them, not the merits of who receives them.”

“I have discovered something else, Throsset of Dowes. And that is that men give women jewels when they have absolutely no idea what might please them and are not willing to take time to think about it.”