Using the device of an imaginary world allows me in some strange way to go to the central issues - it's one of many ways to express feelings about real people, about real human relationships.

Fantasy is hardly an escape from reality. It's a way of understanding it.

We learn more by looking for the answer to a question and not finding it than we do from learning the answer itself.

Craftsmanship isn't like water in an earthen pot, to be taken out by the dipperful until it's empty. No, the more drawn out the more remains.

Keep reading. It's one of the most marvelous adventures that anyone can have.

He [the cat] liked to peep into the refrigerator and risk having his head shut in by the closing door. He also climbed to the top of the stove, discontinuing the practice after he singed his tail.

The only thing a cat worries about is what's happening right now. As we tell the kittens, you can only wash one paw at a time.

Is there worse evil than that which goes in the mask of good?

Seize the day, whatever's in it to seize, before something comes along and seizes you.

Thinking is a bit uncomfortable, but you'll get used to it. A matter of time and practice.

I decided that adventure was the best way to learn about writing.

The more you are able to forgive then the more you are able to love.

What we really want to do is serve happiness. We want everyone to be happy, never unhappy even for a moment. We want the animals to be happy. The happiness of every living thing is what we want.

I was always on time, I did my work to exact specifications, I spoke when spoken to.

I always refer to [Stardust Memories] as Sharon Stone's and my first film.

When your Japanese lifetime is coming out, drink all the sake you want. Have a little bash.

If you want to write a book that's very successful and famous, then it's hard. If you just want to get published, all you have to do is convince an editor that your idea will make them money.

The academic life is wonderful. That's why people love to do research.

I think some writers should wait for something to say.

Perfection is attained by slow degrees; it requires the hand of time.