It doesn't matter what you can do if you don't know why you're doing it.

The villain is the person who knows the most but cares the least.

Art and love are the same thing: It’s the process of seeing yourself in things that are not you.

The essays are very solipsistic and self-absorbed, I'm totally conscious of that. To me, book writing is fun, and I basically just write about things that are entertaining to myself.

Anybody who says they are a good liar obviously is not, because any legitimately savvy liar would always insist they're honest about everything.

Seeing no resolution to my existential recognition of loss, I decide to eat lunch.

First, you must love yourself. And if you do that convincingly enough, others will love you too much.

People who talk about their dreams are actually trying to tell you things about themselves they’d never admit in normal conversation.

I love the way music inside a car makes you feel invisible; if you plan the stereo at max volume, it's almost like the other people can't see into your vehicle. It tints your windows, somehow.

The most wretched people in the world are those who tell you they like every kind of music 'except country.' People who say that are boorish and pretentious at the same time.

Sarcasm is when you tell someone the truth by lying on purpose.

What does syadvad (speech that does not hurt the ego of any living being) speech say? Speak in such a way that 5 people benefit from it and that it does not interfere [conflict] with anyone.

Do you have the courage? Do you have the courage to bring forth this work? The treasures that are hidden inside you are hoping you will say yes." (quoting Jack Gilbert)

Why did I come here? I thought. Why is it always only a matter of choosing between something bad and something worse?

She freshens me up above a bit. Who'd ha thought that face - as bright and as strong as the angel I dream of - could have known the sorrow she speaks on? I wonder how she'll sin. All on us must sing.

For me, and people like me, fighting isn't what we do; it's who we are.

Even the disappointing diffusion of a sheer curtain can suggest the most colorful bouquet of unspeakable secrets.

At Oxford one was positively encouraged to take wine during tutorials. The tongue must be untied.

Don't be afraid to spend money to make money. That's one thing I've never been afraid of... to invest in myself.

Fine writers should split hairs together, and sit side by side, like friendly apes, to pick the fleas from each others fur.

I go to great lengths to make certain situations feel right to the reader.