Chinese writer (1895-1976)
For every good book is worth the reader's while when there is a real communion of the spirit, and this is possible only when he feels he is being taken into the author's confidence and the author is willing to reveal to him the innermost searchings of his heart and talk, as it were, in an unbuttoned mood, collar and tie loose, as by a friend's fireside.
LIN YUTANG
Between Tears and Laughter
The world I believe is far too serious, and being far too serious ... it has need of a wise and merry philosophy.
LIN YUTANG
The Importance of Living
Alas, our rulers are not gods, but puny, fallible men, like the kings who constantly forget their parts, and we common men should be their prompters.
LIN YUTANG
Between Tears and Laughter
The best that we can hope for in this life is that we shall not have sons and grandsons of whom we need to be ashamed.
LIN YUTANG
The Importance of Living