There's something exciting about being afraid.

There will always be ladies who lunch. Always. And apparently they live a long time.

Fear is the base of what everybody does wrong in their lives.

I find it easier to abstain than do a little bit of anything. I'm not a 'little bit' kind of dame. I want it all, whatever I do.

It gets tiring being a smartass.

I don't think there's any thrill in the world like doing work you're good at.

This is a time in my life where I'm gonna behave like an elegant human being. Or not.

I am not influenced by other human beings. But I am inspired.

if somebody doesn't have any talent, get off the stage! you're wasting my time.

Everybody's got a sack of rocks.

I love holidays in New York. I love 'em. I want to celebrate something all the time and New York has holidays for every day of the week, practically. I like holidays in New York City.

The keenest sorrow is to recognize ourselves as the sole cause of all our adversities.

The world needs less destruction.

I've become accustomed to supporting politicians who are more conservative than I am. This is not entirely a surprise.

And I must believe that man has the power to know the right, to choose between good and evil and know that his choice has made a difference.

If I stay at home, I'm not famous. I'm only famous when I'm out in the streets, so I don't go out on the streets much.

Many writers lay very great stress upon some definite moral purpose, at which they profess to aim their works.

As a great master once observed: "There are two methods of becoming god, the upright or the averse." Let the mind become as a flame or a pool of still water.

Moral cowardice at the expense of the vulnerable unborn is both wrong and pathetic.

Without a constant livelihood, there will be no constant heart.

I think with one exception I've never changed an opening sentence after a book was completed.