I feel completely at home in the absurdities of India.

Anyone who has grown up in Delhi knows it's horrible.

The more languages you know, the less likely you are to become a terrorist.

We are men without ambition, and all we want is to be left alone, in peace so that we can try and be happy. So few people will understand this simplicity.

I need to have some depth in my characters. That's why they are all Bengalis. I can't imagine writing a book with someone called Saxena as the hero.

Amidst one's daily clutter, one doesn't usually reflect on the splendour of being free because - naturally - one has to get on with the business of living.

Well, life is dark, isn't it? Mostly, it's dreadful. At the same time, death is funny too. I mean, look at the fuss we make of it.

So much better to write pen on paper; you can do it anywhere, say, while stuck at the airport.

People should have literary and cultural taste and should not bomb hotels.

It's a huge headache - the more money you have, the more hassles. I find money very uncomfortable.

I don't think I would do better books if I wrote full time. I write for amateurish reasons.

Youth is marked by a breathtaking novelty that diminishes with each year of age - until life becomes a delusive struggle to break routines, escape the ordinary, and rediscover the joy of discovery.

The proper study of mankind is the science of design.

Where in the world did you get that dress?" "Present from Zu." "You look like you want to throw it in a fire." "I can't promise there won't be an unfortunate accident later on.

Imagine how great you will feel when you know your partner loves all of you, all the time. The good, the bad, and everything in between!

The ultimate aim of the CFR (Council on Foreign Relations) is to create a one-world socialist system, and to make the U.S. an official part of it.

When in doubt, risk it

There is no calamity greater than lightly engaging in war.

Every birth is a getting to know.

Only the strongest are put through the fire,' Josiah said. 'And the forge creates things of great strength and beauty.' 'Then I shall be truly glorious by the time my tenure ends.

Whenever a poet or preacher, chief or wizard spouts gibberish, the human race spends centuries deciphering the message.