The Four Faces of a Single Man

 “I did get the conception clear which Gerald often speaks of — of looking over the Ego’s shoulder while it’s jumping about.

“Useful to think of that part of my will which wants this way of life as a research worker, fallible but serious-minded. The research worker has to share his study with Maggie, his lisping, cute little daughter; Grandfather Chips, his miserly, selfish old parent; and Libido, an immense gorilla who, when aroused, can be really dangerous, but who spends most of his time snarling, or bolting his food, or snoring, or nastily playing with himself. 

“The research worker tries to concentrate, while Maggie dances about, prattling of her exploits, and Grandfather Chips fusses over his money and plans to get more. Sometimes he has to intervene to restrain the gorilla, who is apt to smash up all the furniture, and overturn the work bench with his apparatus…”

“Remember, every word spoken to another human being is spoken in the presence of these four. They all hear it, and make a note of the information, privately planning to use it for their own purposes, when the opportunity offers.”

— Christopher Isherwood’s diary, July 16, 1941