Most people are remarkably resilient. Even those who have been through war or great loss often find reservoirs of strength. But the legacy of trauma is a heavy burden to bear.

Time constricts and flattens, you know. It's not evenly weighted. Certain moments linger in the mind and others disappear.

So is it just human nature to believe that things happen for a reason - to find some shred of meaning even in the worst experiences?

It's human nature to want to think the best of others, but if you listen carefully, people will always tell you who they are.

You got to learn to take what people are willing to give.

And so it is that you learn how to pass, if you're lucky, to look like everyone else, even though you're broken inside.

I like the assumption that everyone is trying his best, and we should all just be kind to each other.

One of the wonderful things about being a writer is that you're constantly dredging up some arcane knowledge or long-forgotten experience, rediscovering old passions and interests.

I've come to think that's what heaven is- a place in the memory of others where our best selves live on.

I never want to feel constrained by writing a novel for a specific audience.

I have a lot of empathy for women who fit their writing into the crevices of their too-busy lives, as I once did.

We're dying of boredom, Corporal, that's the problem.' [Blend] 'If boredom was fatal there wouldn't be a soldier alive on this whole world, Blend.' [Picker]

A man's as miserable as he thinks he is.

I have no further interest in the Czecho-Slovakian State, that is guaranteed. We want no Czechs

When I get down, I don't waller around for long.

A screenwriter is much like being a fire hydrant with a bunch of dogs lined up around it.

I've pretty much learned I can let that [being black] hinder me if I want to ... or I can fight for different kinds of roles.

Happiness is within you... so unlock the chains from your heart and let yourself grow- like the sweet flower you are. I know the answer- just spread your wings and set yourself free.

You have to have students wanting to take the courses, otherwise you're not going, they're not going to be very effective.

And the funny thing is, I've always been an optimist - it's practically a congenital disorder with me.

I've been asked if I ever get the DTs. I don't know. It's hard to tell where Hollywood ends and the DTs begin.