You have to take pains in a memoir not to hang on the reader's arm, like a drunk, and say, 'And then I did this and it was so interesting.

When I first read the words 'introvert' and 'extrovert' when I was 10, I thought I was both.

I know only enough of God to want to worship him, by any means ready to hand.

I had good innings, as the British say. I wrote for 38 years at the top of my form, and I wanted to quit on a high note.

What could you say to a dying person that would not enrage by its triviality?

I am a fugitive and a vagabond, a sojourner seeking signs.

It is difficult to undo our own damage, and to recall to our presence that which we have asked to leave.