As a writer, you live in permanent self-doubt; youre on permanent trial.

One can criticize the Israeli government, but it is not fair to judge the people of Israel.

Cervantes is the most important Spanish writer. But he is not the most representative of the Spanish. His irony, his sense of humor - they are too subtle to seem Spanish.

I have spent a great deal of my life being part of minorities. Some of the people I admire the most in the world have had the courage to defend, against wind and tide, minority viewpoints in those frightening times when any disagreement with universal conformity is identified as treason.

I have absolute respect for Israel and people in Israel who are critical of their own country.

A few British suffragettes everybody laughed at started the cause of equality between men and women.

Money makes people bold and cosmopolitan; if you are poor, you are naturally conservative. Its not easy to be a bohemian when you have to worry about what is going to happen with you and with your next paycheck.