I have remained true to my deepest convictions. I mean the courage of those who are born to be defeated, the weaknesses of the strong, and the traged…

- Penelope Fitzgerald

Morality is seldom a safe guide for human conduct.

- Penelope Fitzgerald

The body, then, has a mind of its own. It must follow, then, that the Mind has a body of its own, even if it’s like nothing that we can see around us…

- Penelope Fitzgerald

Surely you have to succeed, if you give everything you have.' 'I don't see why. Everyone has to give everything they have eventually. They have to di…

- Penelope Fitzgerald

A good book is the precious life-blood of a master-spirit, embalmed and treasured up on purpose to a life beyond life, and as such it must surely be …

- Penelope Fitzgerald

If they don't depend on true evidence, scientists are no better than gossips.

- Penelope Fitzgerald

Behind their dark glass, the mad own nothing.

- Penelope Fitzgerald

I believe that people should write biographies only about people they love, or understand, or both. Novels, on the other hand, are often better if th…

- Penelope Fitzgerald

A word of advice. If, as a young man, student, you are tormented by a desire for women, it is best to get out into the fresh air as much as possible.

- Penelope Fitzgerald