"[My ideal of a good dinner] is to discuss good food, and, after this good food has been discussed, to discuss a good topic - with myself the chief conversationalist."

"Hess or no Hess, I'm going to watch the Marx Brothers."

"Wealth, taste and leisure can bring many things but they do not bring happiness."

"The tired parts of the mind can be rested and strengthened not merely by rest, but by using other parts."

"I have consistently urged my friends to abstain from reading it."

"I feel devoutly thankful to have been born fond of writing."

"A day away from Chartwell is a day wasted."