I only want to write. And there's no college for that except life.

— Dodie Smith

I suddenly knew that religion, God - something beyond everyday life - was there to be found, provided one is really willing. And I saw that though what I felt in the church was only imagination, it was a step on the way; because imagination itself can be a kind of willingness - a pretense that things are real, due to one's longing for them. It struck me that this was somehow tied up with what the Vicar said about religion being an extension of art - and then I had a glimpse of how religion can really cure you of sorrow; somehow make use of it, turn it to beauty, just as art can make sad things beautiful. I found myself saying: 'Sacrifice is the secret - you have to sacrifice things for art, and it's the same with religion; and then the sacrifice turns out to be a gain.' Then I got confused, and I couldn't hold on to what I meant - until Miss Blossom remarked: 'Nonsense, duckies - it's perfectly simple. You lose yourself in something beyond yourself, and it's a lovely rest.' I saw that, all right. Then I thought: 'But that's how Miss Marcy cured her sorrow, too - only she lost herself in other people instead of in religion.' Which way of life was best - hers or the Vicar's? I decided that he loves God and merely likes the villagers, whereas she loves the villagers and merely likes God - and then I suddenly wondered if I could combine both ways, love God and my neighbor equally. Was I really willing to?

— Dodie Smith

I think it [religion] is an art, the greatest one; an extension of the communion all the other arts attempt.

— Dodie Smith

It isn't a bit of use my pretending I'm not crying, because I am... Pause to mop up. Better now. Perhaps it would really be rather dull to be married and settled for life. Liar! It would be heaven.

— Dodie Smith

It is rather exciting to write by moonlight.

— Dodie Smith

I wanted so terribly to be good to him.

— Dodie Smith

I wonder if there isn't a catch about having plenty of money? Does it eventually take the pleasure out of things?

— Dodie Smith

Just to be in love seemed the most blissful luxury I had ever known. The thought came to me that perhaps it is the loving that counts, not the being loved in return - that perhaps true loving can never know anything but true happiness.

— Dodie Smith

My God - it's a green child!" said the American. "What is this place - the House of Usher?

— Dodie Smith

My imagination longs to dash ahead and plan developments; but I have noticed that when things happen in one's imagination, they never happen in one's life.

— Dodie Smith