The more books we read, the clearer it becomes that the true function of a writer is to produce a masterpiece and that no other task is of any consequence.

Quote by Cyril Connolly

Topics: Cyril Connolly Quotes

Everything is a dangerous drug except reality, which is unendurable.

Everything is a dangerous drug except reality, which is unendurable.

Youth is a period of missed opportunities.

Youth is a period of missed opportunities.

Truth is a river that is always splitting up into arms that reunite. Islanded between...

Truth is a river that is always splitting up into arms that reunite. Islanded between...

Civilization is maintained by a very few people in a small number of places and...

Civilization is maintained by a very few people in a small number of places and...

It is a mistake to expect good work from expatriates for it is not what...

It is a mistake to expect good work from expatriates for it is not what...

It is the fear of middle-age in the young, of old-age in the middle-aged, which...

It is the fear of middle-age in the young, of old-age in the middle-aged, which...

There is no pain equal to that which two lovers can inflict on one another....

There is no pain equal to that which two lovers can inflict on one another....

We love but once, for once only are we perfectly equipped for loving.

We love but once, for once only are we perfectly equipped for loving.

Better to write for yourself and have no public, than to write for the public...

Better to write for yourself and have no public, than to write for the public...

The only way for writers to meet is to share a quick peek over a...

The only way for writers to meet is to share a quick peek over a...

No one over thirty-five is worth meeting who has not something to teach us, -...

No one over thirty-five is worth meeting who has not something to teach us, -...

A lazy person, whatever the talents with which he starts out, have condemned himself to...

A lazy person, whatever the talents with which he starts out, have condemned himself to...

When we have ceased to love the stench of the human animal, either in others...

When we have ceased to love the stench of the human animal, either in others...

A great writer creates a world of his own and his readers are proud to...

A great writer creates a world of his own and his readers are proud to...

All charming people have something to conceal, usually their total dependence on the appreciation of...

All charming people have something to conceal, usually their total dependence on the appreciation of...

There is no more sombre enemy of good art than the pram in the hall.

There is no more sombre enemy of good art than the pram in the hall.

I review novels to make money, because it is easier for a sluggard to write...

I review novels to make money, because it is easier for a sluggard to write...

Optimism and self-pity are the positive and negative poles of modern cowardice.

Optimism and self-pity are the positive and negative poles of modern cowardice.

It's odd that you can get so anesthetized by your own pain or your own...

It's odd that you can get so anesthetized by your own pain or your own...

Sympathy is never wasted except when you give it to yourself.

Sympathy is never wasted except when you give it to yourself.