There are numerous layers to truth, and the simple and superficial statement of facts cannot satisfy the writer.

Dreams are more real than reality itself, they're closer to the self.

Writing eases my suffering . . . writing is my way of reaffirming my own existence.

Walk where your heart leads you, there are no restrictions and no burdens.

If you want to do anything, do it now, without compromise or concession, because you have only one life.

Observing humans and observing oneself yields a clear-minded starting point for literature.

Loneliness is a prerequisite for freedom. Freedom depends on the ability to reflect, and reflection can only begin when one is alone.

It's in literature that true life can be found. It's under the mask of fiction that you can tell the truth.

Love is so holy, so confusing. It makes a man anxious, tormented. Love, how can I define it?

I don't want to be a strong hero who can save society. I just want to save myself.

For me, writing [was] a question of survival...I could not trust anyone, even my family. The atmosphere was so poisoned. People even in your own family could turn you in.

A bitter experience makes us a better person.

You can't succeed in any endeavor if your motive is solely selfish- feeding your ego, seeking recognition, fame, etc. Find a lasting motivation...

I am blessed to have so many great things in my life - family, friends and God. All will be in my thoughts daily.

To be without sympathy is to be alone in the world--without friends or country, home or kindred.

I just wanted what was outside to be different.

God speaks in the silence of the heart, and we listen. And then we speak to God from the fullness of our heart, and God listens. And this listening and this speaking is what prayer is meant to be.

I just remember him [Baz Luhrmann] making me laugh, and his accent.

I want to spend my time with people who don't look to be respected. But such good people won't want to spend their time with me.

Ideas can be willed, and the imagination is their engine.

One has to strive for a very open liberal society.