It has been said that the question, 'Why is there something rather than nothing?' is so profound that it would occur only to a metaphysician, yet so simple that it would occur only to a child.

You have to have a temperamental attraction to dangerous ideas.

When you are trying to understand the world, it is unwise to assume that you occupy a privileged position in it.

Having just enough life to enjoy being dead.

To abandon the principle of simplicity would be to abandon all reasoning about the external world

I wish you could be kissed, Jane, ' he said. 'Because I would beg just one off you. Under all this.' He flailed an arm toward the stars.

The most important duty of a teacher is to not only teach but to also inspire and enhance the desire for learning.

The talent for being happy is appreciating and liking what you have instead of what you don't have.

Happiness comes out of being willing to do your work in your twenties to find out who you are, what you love.

I trust my instincts. I don't distrust them. They haven't led me astray. It's when I've made up my mind to be efficient that is when I have gone wrong.

Sarcasm and compassion are two of the qualities that make life on Earth tolerable.

Keep going and don't give up. You're doing wonderfully. You'll know how to fly this thing eventually.

In the end, you write the book that grabs you by the throat and demands to be written.

I love to go and see all the things I am happy without.

I'm certain that I will be able to do music that's more like me as I get to know more about myself. I think that is an artist's fate. You have to keep trying to find your own world and express it.