It's a sad fact about our culture that a poet can earn much more money writing or talking about his art than he can by practicing it. W. H. Auden on sad
When I find myself in the company of scientists, I feel like a shabby curate who has strayed by mistake into a room full of dukes. W. H. Auden on science
'Healing,' Papa would tell me, 'is not a science, but the intuitive art of wooing nature.' W. H. Auden on science
Murder is unique in that it abolishes the party it injures, so that society has to take the place of the victim and on his behalf demand atonement or grant forgiveness it is the one crime in which society has a direct interest. W. H. Auden on society
The class distinctions proper to a democratic society are not those of rank or money, still less, as is apt to happen when these are abandoned, of race, but of age. W. H. Auden on society
A professor is someone who talks in someone else's sleep. W. H. Auden on teacher
Of all possible subjects, travel is the most difficult for an artist, as it is the easiest for a journalist. W. H. Auden on travel
I'll love you, dear, I'll love you till China and Africa meet and the river jumps over the mountain and the salmon sing in the street. W. H. Auden on valentines day
All sin tends to be addictive, and the terminal point of addiction is what is called damnation. W. H. Auden on addiction
A professor is one who talks in someone else's sleep. W. H. Auden on education
Among those whom I like or admire, I can find no common denominator, but among those whom I love, I can: all of them make me laugh. W. H. Auden on love