For me taking a pragmatic decision when it comes to art is almost an oxymoron. The reason I first picked up a pen and wrote a story had nothing pragmatic in it.

Translators are like ninjas. If you notice them, they’re no good.

My father - I once asked him what was his greatest achievement. He said his greatest achievement was that he fought in five wars in the infantry, always on the front line, and never hurt anybody.

According to Gur's theory of boredom, everything that happens in the world today is because of boredom: love, war, inventions, fake fireplaces - ninety-five percent of all that is pure boredom.

It's kind of a reflex for me to ignore my own wishes and think about other people first.

If you want to learn how to be happy, you have to know what is sadness first.

Rabbits are played. Nowadays it's all about the turtles. Tell them it's a ninja, they'll freak.

The one who swallows cactuses with spines should not complain about hemorrhoids.

Writing a story is kind of like surfing, as opposed to the novel, where you use a GPS to get somewhere. With surfing, you kind of jump.

For three months, a person sits and looks at you, imagining a kiss.

Most of the Jewish writer friends I have are American, and I feel closer to them because they're always obsessed with one issue - identity: what does it mean to be an American Jew?

In your heart of hearts, I believe all of you around this table know what this country needs.

The idea of a permanent U.S. military presence in Afghanistan, as opposed to an economic presence, is going to create a new wave of hostility toward the United States.

I could give any woman in the world a piece and a move; to Gaprindashvili even, a knight.

I would love to make @BarackObama vegan.

I am a product of the "Hippie" theater movement of the '60s.

Those people who kill women, children, and defenseless civilians are about as Muslim as mass murderer Christopher Columbus was a Christian.

The world needs more women filmmakers, so we have to keep encouraging ourselves and one another, and eventually things must get easier for us.

It's a hideous feeling to go round shopping and even feel like you are a freak.

Oh, how with more than dreams the soul is torn, ere sleep comes down to soothe the weary eyes.

Preparedness, when properly pursued, is a way of life, not a sudden, spectacular program.