If a person measures his spiritual fulfillment in terms of cosmic visions, surpassing peace of mind, or ecstasy, then he is not likely to know much spiritual fulfillment. If, however, he measures it in terms of enjoying a sunrise, being warmed by a child's smile, or being able to help someone have a better day, then he is likely to know much spiritual fulfillment.

Memory inevitably romanticizes, pressing reality to recede like pain.

Why am I trying to become what I don’t want to be … when all I want is out there, waiting for me the minute I say I know who I am.

I know that my works are a credit to this nation and I dare say they will endure longer than the McCarran Act.

The best work that anybody ever writes is the work that is on the verge of embarrassing him, always.

There is unquestionably a contradiction between an efficient technological machine and the flowering of human nature, of the human personality.

Well, I spent six or seven years after high school trying to work myself up. Shipping clerk, salesman, business of one kind or another. And it's a measly manner of existence. To get on that subway on the hot mornings in summer. To devote your whole life to keeping stock, or making phone calls, or selling or buying. To suffer fifty weeks of the year for the sake of a two-week vacation, when all you really desire is to be outdoors, with your shirt off. And always to have to get ahead of the next fella. And still — that's how you build a future.