I can't say I had an ideal father, and I'm not a father myself.

All writing is an act of self-exploration. Even a grocery list says something about you; how much more does a novel say?

Im like the painter with his nose to the canvas, fussing over details. Gazing from a distance, the reader sees the big picture.

In politics, reality and appearance are of equal importance. You cannot attend to one and neglect the other. A man must determine both what he is, and what others believe him to be.

Writing a first novel takes so much effort, with such little promise of result or reward, that it must necessarily be a labour of love bordering on madness.

Even the crudest, most derivative novel is an expression of the author's hopes and fears and ideas about good and evil.

There was no arguing with a man's faith in the legends of his childhood.

Did you ever stop to think that even if I am a monster, I might be your soulmate anyway?

Anorexia cannot be cured by treating the physical symptoms alone

No real friendship is ever made without an initial clashing which discloses the metal of each to each.

Whatever the present moment contains, accept it as if you had chosen it.

We live as we dream - alone.

Thus, the word is more essential than cement. Thus, the word is not a small nothing. In this manner, noble people begin to grow, and their word will break cement.

Principles are what allow you to live a life consistent with those values. Principles connect your values to your actions.

I love my son, but my daughter has calmed me down.

I found from working on the film that I am a bigot, at times. And that I am also a coward, at times.