I think one of the most poignant things is unrequited love and loneliness.

It's a strange paradox that a man gifted with too many talents can fritter them all away without developing a single one to its full.

I write my books in my head, and not in a specific study with a view. The view is from my inner eyes.

It's probably true that everyone has a book in them, although it may not be a very good one.

Failure makes success so much sweeter, and allows you to thumb your nose at the crowds.

They do say that socialism is the ideal philosophy-just as long as you have capitalists to pay for it.

When I vacate this sack of old bones I won't care what you do with it. Bury or burn it but don't make much fuss.

Litigation only makes lawyers fat.

Sometimes it is best for men not to attempt to interfere with destiny. Our prayers can be answered in ways which we do not expect and do not welcome.

I don't want children. Why should I let some strange little monster into my life to destroy what to me is a perfect set-up?

All my characters have got a big slice of me in them. A big piece of me, because it's my dialogue and this is the way I think and talk.

Jealousy, and attempting to match others in life and stride, is self-abandonment.

The best is always worth waiting for. And once you taste it, no other taste will do.

OK, in all seriousness, I would say I couldn't be in a relationship without equality, generosity, integrity, spirit, kindness and humor. And awesomeness.

I'm a runner from sports. I've been a runner, but I wasn't a cross-country runner or anything like that. I played a lot of soccer growing up.

In life, when you start to fall, you don't have to go crazy, scolding yourself and further throwing yourself off balance. Instead, simply make adjustments.

To me, the model of success is not linear. Success is completing the full circle of yourself.

You can get it in any color, as long as it is black

Have you any idea how much tyrants fear the people they oppress?

If I didn't swim my best, I'd think about it at school, at dinner, with my friends. It would drive me crazy.

I think we're all brothers - that's the truth. But the press gave us the name black Muslims to cut us off from the others.