The idea of American exceptionalism doesn't extend to Americans being exceptional.

The minute you settle for less than you deserve, you get even less than you settled for.

[On journalists:] We are a noisy, imperfect lot, struggling to scribble what has been called the first draft of history.

Journalism, spooked by rumors of its own obsolescence, has stopped believing in itself. Groans of doom alternate with panicked happy talk.

The sounds of silence are a dim recollection now, like mystery, privacy and paying attention to one thing — or one person — at a time.

Wooing the press is an exercise roughly akin to picnicking with a tiger. You might enjoy the meal, but the tiger always eats last.

Celebrity distorts democracy by giving the rich, beautiful, and famous more authority than they deserve.

When I need to work up my nerve to write a tough column, I try to think of myself as Emma Peel in a black leather catsuit.

If you're famous enough, the rules don't apply.

A friendship between reporter and source lasts only until it is profitable for one to betray the other.

Celebrity is the religion of our time.

A corner is important. It provides privacy and an anchor and lets you exist independently of the room.

Spiritual pain is when you can’t stand another moment not knowing the real truth, and when you finally do know you can’t let go.

People don't realize that now is all there ever is there is no past or future except as memory or anticipation in your mind.

I guess I'm a pretty curious person. I like doing new things. I like being challenged. I'm competitive. Trying to beat my personal best.

The Marxist outlook ... represents the most consistent and systematic application of the scientific outlook and method.

The universe is not indifferent to intelligence, it is actively hostile to it. Love thy neighbor as yourself, but choose your neighborhood.

people never write calmly but when they write indifferently.

There's a but, isn't there?" said Coraline. "I can feel it. Like a rain cloud.

Silence in the face of atrocity is not neutrality; silence in the face of atrocity is acquiescence.

People spend money when and where they feel good.