Your first duty as a writer is to write to please yourself. And you have no duty towards anyone else.

The worst... was what the Pakistani soldiers did to the Bengali women after their failed rebellion.

They probably do have an Asian Barbie.

I have certainly amassed many historical research gathering skills.

As the Nobel laureate Elie Wiesel warned years ago, to forget a holocaust is to kill twice.

There isn't much in the way of pure communist spirit, because the whole nation seems to be engaged in capitalistic enterprises. Much of the country still operates under government control.

I don't mind solitude. I love talking to other people, but I do need my space.

Often, what you see in the media is driven by economic forces.

Almost all people have this potential for evil, which would be unleashed only under certain dangerous social circumstances.

When the Chinese first came to San Francisco, they were actually welcomed by the mayor and they had special ceremonies for them-again this is when their colony was very small, only a few Chinese.

There isn't much discussion of ruling class in America even in Boston, probably one of the most class-conscious cities in the country?

A truly great book should be read in youth, again in maturity and once more in old age, as a fine building should be seen by morning light, at noon and by moonlight.

Popular music is all about traveling at the speed of you and elevating the individual as the highest thing in the world.

Sober alkies are often asked: "When did you hit rock bottom?" but a more informed question might be: "How many times did you hit rock bottom?

The best diplomacy starts with getting to know each other.

National enthusiasm is the nursery of genius.

from you, my dear Erasmus, let me obtain this request, that just as I bear with your ignorance in these matters, so you in turn will bear with my lack of eloquence.

Today don't beg, don't ask, just thank God in silence for all the blessings in your life.

The happiness you have a right to enjoy has a name and a face: it is Jesus of Nazareth, hidden in the Eucharist.

I get enough fashion news in my professional life. I like interiors during my downtime.

Pardon, and keep silent, for what is shameful for women must be concealed among women.