Abstainer, n. A weak man who yields to the temptation of denying himself a pleasure.

As far as I can see, the history of experimental art in the twentieth century is intimately bound up with the experience of intoxification.

Modern life is often a mechanical oppression, and liquor is the only mechanical relief.

I used to do drugs. I still do, but I used to, too.

Better sleep with a sober cannibal than a drunken Christian.

As he brews, so shall he drink.

To live on a day-to-day basis is insufficient for human beings; we need to transcend, transport, escape; we need meaning, understanding, and explanation.

Sex and drugs and rock and roll.

Thanks be to God: since my leaving drinking of wine, I do find myself much better and do mind my business better, and do spend less money, and less time lost in idle company.

Let your boat of life be light, packed with only what you need—a homely home and simple pleasures, one or two friends worth the name, someone to love and someone to love you, a cat, a dog, and a pipe or two, enough to eat and enough to wear, and a little more than enough to drink; for thirst is a dangerous thing.

It is impossible to live pleasurably without living wisely, well, and justly, and impossible to live wisely, well, and justly without living pleasurably.

I mean, why on earth (outside sickness and hangovers) aren’t people continually drunk? I want ecstasy of the mind all the time.

Some writers take to drink, others take to audiences.