Some books accrete things to themselves like a magnet. The writer risks sterility by subjecting the mysterious power of imagination to the devices of mere comprehension.

The so-called Beat Generation was a whole bunch of people, of all different nationalities, who came to the conclusion that society sucked.

Jazz music hashaunted America for seventy years.It has tempted us out of our lily-white reserve with its black promise of untrammeled joy.

The idiotic industry of an ant building his hill in the path of a glacier, and imagining that he is free.

Nothing like the road to rub all the sand out of your soul.

But all I could think of was taking some books to read in jail. I held everybody up, choosing which ones to take.

Certain kinds of clichés are the narcotics of the middle class.

For invented gods invariably disappoint those who worship them.

Love is bitter, death is sweet.

The simple act of putting your truth on paper, only you and your thoughts, is one of the most powerful exercises you can do.

None of us was born knowing or wise; but men become wise by consideration, observation, experience.

There's not ever much of anything going on in my head.

Canadians, do not vomit on me!

Every song asks to be sung in a different way.

The truth hurts like a thorn at first; but in the end it blossoms like a rose.

Doctors removed my gallbladder and pancreas, which are supposed to break down sugar and alcohol.

We will be humble as we are obedient, and as obedient as we are humble.

I think the writing of literature should give pleasure. What else should it be about? It is not nuclear physics. It actually has to give pleasure or it is worth nothing.