How I became a better writer was that I kept writing.

It is our peculiar punishment that we know things change and we want this to be otherwise.

You don't write. You get out of the way.

This is not a meritocracy.

Everything I write is sinful, full of lies, especially the big one, the one you go to hell for: pretending not to be a fool.

A few of the gunslingers dance, but only a few. And they were the young ones. The other ones only sat, and it seemed to me they were half embarrassed in all that light, that civilized light.

Life's like a book: What matters is the hook. Be it short or long, just live it strong. Whether it's five stars, or how near or far, just soar!

There is nothing you cannot turn into your favor.

Mental illness is nothing to be ashamed of, but stigma and bias shame us all.

You have a powerful army, Kublai, but the best force is one you do not have to use.

Hatred of Judaism is at bottom hatred of Christianity.

In soloing - as in other activities - it is far easier to start something than it is to finish it.

The worst sin that can be committed against the artist is to take him at his word, to see in his work a fulfillment instead of an horizon.

As soon as you are in a social setting, you better take away the key to the lock of your heart and pocket it; those who leave thekey in the lock are fools.

I'm happy. I feel good about music.