They say great themes make great novels. but what these young writers don't understand is that there is no greater theme than men and women.

Much as I like owning a Rolls-Royce, I could do without it. What I could not do without is a typewriter, a supply of yellow second sheets and the time to put them to good use.

An artist is his own fault.

Becoming the reader is the essence of becoming a writer.

Never play cards with a man named Doc, and never eat at a place called Mom's.

In every marriage the wife has to keep her mouth shut about at least one small thing her husband does that disgusts her.

But whats the use of being old if you cant be dumb?

Illinois is a state of suspended animation and the people live in hibernation from Oct. to whenever it ever gets warmer.

Hot lead can be almost as effective coming from a linotype as from a firearm.

The trouble is people leave too much to luck. They get married and then trust to luck. They should be sure in the first place.

George Gershwin died on July 11, 1937, but I don’t have to believe it if I don’t want to.

After I am dead I'd rather have people ask why I have no monument than why I have one.

No matter what the climate is, what the troubles are, what the difficulties are, there is joy for the child of God, because joy is produced supernaturally by the Holy Spirit in us.

He overcomes a stout enemy who overcomes his own anger.

The microprocessor is a miracle.

I couldn't be fonder of you if you were my own son. But, well, if you lose a son, its possible to get another. There's only one Maltese Falcon.

Even monkeys fall out of trees.

Man is flying too fast for a world that is round. Soon he will catch up with himself in a great rear end collision.

People are finding it harder and harder to relate to foreign policy.

Good judgment comes from experience. And where does experience come from? Experience comes from bad judgment.

I think we have a need to know what we do not need to know.