The story sometimes writes you into a corner.

I tend to foster drama via bleakness. If I want the reader to feel sympathy for a character, I cleave the character in half, on his birthday. And then it starts raining. And he's made of sugar.

What I regret most in my life are failures of kindness.

What I regret most in my life are failures of kindness. Those moments when another human being was there, in front of me, suffering, and I responded . . . sensibly. Reservedly. Mildly.

Do those things that incline you toward the big questions, and avoid the things that would reduce you and make you trivial.

Developing our sympathetic compassion is not only possible but the only reason for us to be here on earth.

According to me, your life is going to be a gradual process of becoming kinder and more loving. Hurry up. Speed it along. Start right now.

It's a big world, and I really like it.

Character is that sum total of moments we can't explain.

The generalizing writer is like the passionate drunk, stumbling into your house mumbling: I know I'm not being clear, exactly, but don't you kind of feel what I'm feeling?

Kindness, it turns out, is hard - it starts out all rainbows and puppy dogs, and expands to include . . . well, EVERYTHING.

A man who preserves his integrity no real, long-lasting harm can ever come.

As humans, we are all insecure to a certain degree, and we don't want to risk looking stupid, being rejected, or feeling awkward.

Lollipop had been her nickname for me as long as I could remember. I asked her how she came up with the name, and she told me sometimes kids are sweet, and sometimes they just need a good lickin'.

Remember that unjust critisism is often a disquised compliment.

The soul, at peace, reflects the peace without, Forgetting grief as sunset skies forget The morning's transient shower.

I also think I could probably repeat the commercial success; whether I want to or not is a different matter. I think there is still better work inside me.

Hungary is very similar to Bulgaria. I know theyre different countries.

If the postman is saying hello to you, then I feel like, wow, thats something special.

As you help men to grow, as you work for peace, understanding and good will, your influence will merge, with the good influences of men of every age, into the eternal golden stream of God's goodness.

I that please some, try all, both joy and terror Of good and bad, that makes and unfolds error.