I am hopeful, though not full of hope, and the only reason I don't believe in happy endings is because I don't believe in endings.

A house built on greed cannot long endure.

If it's knowledge and wisdom you want, then seek out the company of those who do real work for an honest purpose.

But of the seven deadly sins, wrath is the healthiest - next only to lust.

And if the computer gives you any back talk, pour some well-sugared office coffee into its evil little silicon brain.

I would not sacrifice a single living mesquite tree for any book ever written. One square mile of living desert is worth a hundred 'great books' - and one brave deed is worth a thousand.

Ah yes, the head is full of books. The hard part is to force them down through the bloodstream and out through the fingers.

Instant communication is not communication at all but merely a frantic, trivial, nerve-wracking bombardment of cliches, threats, fads, fashions, gibberish and advertising.

Not all questions can be answered.

Readers, not critics, are the people who determine a book's eventual fate.

In the land of bleating sheep and braying jackasses, one brave and honest man is bound to create a scandal.

Hold this rope while I dive into my soul

Looking fifty is great - if you're sixty.

I don't know how many people run for vice president and president and lose both.

I don't want to find the secret. I'm afraid all the joy will go out of it if I find the secret.

I don't really give much thought to the roles that I'd ideally love to play.

If you want to see me cry, just come to a photo shoot.

Victory usually goes to those green enough to underestimate the monumental hurdles they are facing.

Seek the sound that never ceases. Seek the sun that never sets.

I prefer Offenbach to Bach often.

Let it be remembered, too, that at a time of war, nearly every one is under great strain.