People say that I am always serious and depressing, but it seems to me that the English are never serious - they are flippant, complacent, ineffable, but never serious, which is sometimes maddening. Anita Brookner complacentdepressenglish Change image and share on social
Existentialism is about being a saint without God; being your own hero, without all the sanction and support of religion or society. Anita Brookner existentialismgodhero Change image and share on social
I've never got on very well with Jane Austen. Anita Brookner austenhavejane Change image and share on social
The essence of romantic love is that wonderful beginning, after which sadness and impossibility may become the rule. Anita Brookner beginessenceimpossibility Change image and share on social
Like many rich men, he thought in anecdotes; like many simple women, she thought in terms of biography. Anita Brookner anecdotebiographyman Change image and share on social
A complete woman is probably not a very admirable creature. She is manipulative, uses other people to get her own way, and works within whatever system she is in. Anita Brookner admirablecompletecreature Change image and share on social
Accountability in friendship is the equivalent of love without strategy. Anita Brookner accountabilityequivalentfriendship Change image and share on social
All good fortune is a gift of the gods, and you don't win the favor of the ancient gods by being good, but by being bold. Anita Brookner ancientboldfavor Change image and share on social
I was a teacher most of my life, which I loved. I had a very happy working life, and when I retired, I thought I must do something, and I've always read a lot of fiction - you learn so much from fiction. My sentimental education came mostly from fiction, I should say, so I thought I'd try. Anita Brookner educationfictionhappy share on social
In real life, it is the hare who wins. Every time. Look around you. And in any case it is my contention that Aesop was writing for the tortoise market. Hares have no time to read. They are too busy winning the game. Anita Brookner aesopbusycase share on social