Quotes from Edward Morgan Forster

The historian must have some conceptions of how men who are not historians behave.

They go forth with well-developed bodies, fairly developed minds and undeveloped hearts. An undeveloped heart-not a cold one. The difference is important.

There are different ways of evil and I prefer mine to yours.

Then the pernicious charm of Italy worked on her, and, instead of acquiring information, she began to be happy.

It is not that the Englishman can't feel-it is that he is afraid to feel. He has been taught at his public school that feeling is bad form. He must not express great joy or sorrow, or even open his mouth too wide when he talks-his pipe might fall out if he did.

A trouble - nothing as beautiful as a sorrow - rose to the surface of his mind, displayed its ungainliness and sank. Its precise nature he did not ask himself, for his hour was not yet, but the hint was appalling, and, hero though he was, he longed to be a little boy again, and to stroll half awake for ever by the colourless sea.

Ho una teoria… su Miss Honeychurch. Le sembra logico che suoni il pianoforte in modo così meraviglioso e faccia una vita tanto tranquilla? Credo che un giorno la sua vita sarà meravigliosa come il suo modo di suonare. I suoi compartimenti stagni si romperanno, e musica e vita si fonderanno l'una nell'altra.»

La maggior parte della vita è così monotona che non c'è proprio niente da dirne, e i libri e i discorsi che la descrivono come una cosa interessante sono costretti a calcare la mano,nella speranza di giustificare la propria esistenza.

If I had to choose between betraying my country and betraying my friend, I hope I should have the guts to betray my country.