Laudator Temporis Acti

Artemis Cooper, Writing at the Kitchen Table: The Authorized Biography of Elizabeth David (1999; rpt. London: Faber and Faber, 2011), chapter 5 (page number unknown):

In later life she often admitted, quite simply, that she had been in love with Norman Douglas. This was hardly surprising, for one of the strongest loves is that of a disciple for a teacher, and Norman was the best teacher Elizabeth ever had. She admired his rigorous scholarship and broad learning, and everything he said or did struck a chord in her. Much of what he taught her she already knew, on an instinctive level: what Norman did was to express, develop and refine the principles which she wanted to guide her life. Look for what is true and authentic; see things as they are; be constantly vigilant against the pretentious and the sham; above all, please yourself and take the consequences.

He was also, to the core of his being, a Darwinist and an atheist. He did not believe in loving one's neighbour, and loathed any system of thought that advocated either complete equality, or complete submission. Fascism and Communism both wanted to turn people into termites, and were therefore to be abhorred. Democracy was also dangerous because he believed it to be based on a fallacy — to him, people were anything but equal.

Id. (note omitted):

Shortly before they were due to leave, Norman gave Elizabeth a copy of Old Calabria. 'Old-fashioned stuff, my dear,' he said as he presented it. 'Heavy going. I don't know whether you'll be able to get through it.' On the flyleaf he wrote 'Always do as you please, and send everybody to Hell, and take the consequences. Damned good Rule of Life. N.'