Art is the manipulation of someone else's imagination.

We are basically storytellers, descendants of the old men who sat around the fire and told us legends, fairytales, exploits, or maybe just how funny Og looked when he fell into the tar pit.

The worst thing you write is better than the best thing you didn't write.

I had no idea what I was doing, I had no idea where I was going, but at some point I stopped — when to keep going would seem like I was going too far.

It is is better to know one book intimately than a hundred superficially.

I worked with two young women translators. One died and the other received a death threat from the Taliban.

Its impossible to explain creativity. It's like asking a bird, 'How do you fly?' You just do.

It is well known to all great men, that by conferring an obligation they do not always procure a friend, but are certain of creating many enemies.

Our culture now wonderfully, alchemically transforms images and history into artistic material. The possibilities seem endless and wide open.

The more knowledge one person has of the other, the greater the intimacy within the relationship.

I learn a little more and I change a little bit

Because we bring so little is no reason to bring nothing.

Did I really earn this, or did I just wear you all down?