And that was my homecoming. It was fine, I guess. Getting back feels like your first breath after nearly drowning. Even if it hurts, it's good.

War is too strange to be processed alone.

Veteran art creates a meeting place between veterans and civilians, or simply between veterans with different experiences.

It's not so much the question that offends me; it's that the people asking it don't seem to respect the moral seriousness of the question.

Writing fiction means putting a lot of what you believe about the world at risk, because you have to follow your characters.

Fiction offered me tools that allowed me to approach a wider variety of issues than the events of my own life would.

If you're going to write about war, the ugly side is inevitable. Suffering and death are obviously part of war.

I've certainly thought a lot more about things like tyranny and patriotism and violence. I think I found some kind of clarity - definitely a thicker understanding.

The free man never thinks of escape.

If we truly love ourselves, in spite of our flaws, then we can love others in spite of theirs.

Dreams aren't only an illusion to put you into a subconsciously pleasurable state of mind for the time being, but also a pathway to gain complete contentment.

Let me ... warn you in the most solemn manner against the baneful effects of the spirit of party.

If you don't have your own goals, you'll be doomed to work toward someone else's.

Nothing useless is, or low; Each thing in its place is best; And what seems but idle show Strengthens and supports the rest.

I should think myself a very bad woman, if I had done what I do for a farthing less.

I think some of the best actors ever were little kids.

Every candle that gets lit in the dark room must feel a little rejection from the darkness around it, but the last thing I want from those who hold a different world view to me is to accept me.

We will have rings and things and fine array