The theory of the teacher with all these immigrant kids was that if you spoke English loudly enough they would eventually understand.

Writing is like driving at night in the fog. You can only see as far as your headlights, but you can make the whole trip that way.

All secrets become deep. All secrets become dark. That's in the nature of secrets.

Good writing is supposed to evoke sensation in the reader - not the fact that it is raining, but the feeling of being rained upon.

When in trouble or in doubt, run in circles, scream and shout.

Writing is an exploration. You start from nothing and learn as you go.

Never underestimate the determination of a kid who is time-rich and cash-poor.

I am often asked the question How can the masses permit themselves to be exploited by the few. The answer is By being persuaded to identify with them.

The three most important documents a free society gives are a birth certificate, a passport, and a library card.

Writers are not just people who sit down and write. They hazard themselves. Every time you compose a book your composition of yourself is at stake.

Writing is a socially acceptable form of schizophrenia.

I am living on the moon, I told myself, I have little house all by myself on the moon.

But then there's loneliness. However you might philosophise about it, loneliness is a terrible thing, my dear fellow… Although in reality, of course, it's absolutely of no importance!

Evaluate yourself and your calling worthily enough and be proud of it

Wit is cultured insolence.

Good writing isn’t a science. It’s an art, and the horizon is infinite. You can always get better.

In the beginning you likely say, 'I run.' With more confidence, you say, 'I am a runner.'

I Never Met A Kentuckian Who Wasn't Either Thinking About Going Home Or Actually Going Home

I was poor. When you're poor you work, and when you're rich you expect somebody to hand it to you. So I think being reasonably poor is very good for people.

Your chances of getting hit by lighting go up if you stand under a tree, shake your fist at the sky, and say "Storms suck!!

There is nothing- No life, No joy, No pain- There is nothing save opinion, And opinion be damned.