I don't want the reader to be aware of me as the writer.

I spent most of my dough on booze, broads and boats and the rest I wasted.

My most important piece of advice to all you would-be writers: When you write, try to leave out all the parts readers skip.

If it sounds like writing, I rewrite it. Or, if proper usage gets in the way, it may have to go. I can't allow what we learned in English composition to disrupt the sound and rhythm of the narrative.

The line of dialogue belongs to the character; the verb is the writer sticking his nose in.

What do you tell a man with two black eyes? Nothing, he's already been told twice.

It doesn't have to make sense, it just has to sound like it does.

Using adverbs is a mortal sin.

At the time I begin writing a novel, the last thing I want to do is follow a plot outline. To know too much at the start takes the pleasure out of discovering what the book is about.

Try not to write the parts that people skip.

All the information you need can be given in dialogue.

In science ... "discovery" can mean finding a guppy with an extra spine in its dorsal fin.

History was more than just stories, he reminded himself as the men walked forward with their burdens. It taught lessons as well.

You trusted me enough to jump off the wall, and I caught you.

You can get the man out of stone-age, but not stone-age out of man.

I'm still at the beginning of my career. It's all a little new, and I'm still learning as I go.

Women are degraded by the propensity to enjoy the present moment, and, at last, despise the freedom which they have not sufficient virtue to struggle to attain.

In the final analysis it doesn't really matter what the political system is...We don't need perfect political systems; we need perfect participation.

There is one thing we can do, and the happiest of people are those who do it to the limit of their ability. We can be completely present.

John Wayne was one of the greatest ambassadors for the United States that ever lived.

In the same way that you're driven in your business to keep innovating - Facebook is a wonderful example of constant innovation - think about doing that in philanthropy.