The attempt to close the gap between what is known and what IS, is the temptation behind the apple in Genesis.

The most intelligent thing we can do is love, not reason.

It does not demean men to want to be what they imagine the wolf to be, but it does demean them to kill the animal for it.

The interior landscape responds to the character and subtlety of the exterior landscape; the shape of the individual mind is affected by the land as it is by genes.

If I were to offer any advice to young writers, it would be this: be discriminating and be discerning about the work you set for yourself. That done, be the untutored traveler, the eager reader, the enthusiastic listener. Put what you learn together carefully, and then write thoughtfully, with respect both for the reader and your sources.

People think that if you've written a book and somebody's given you a pat on the back then, you know, it's all - you're all settled, you know? You're going to be fine. I know that if I'm not confused, and really afraid, my work isn't going to be any good.

My function as a writer is to provide an atmosphere in which people can think wisely about what we're doing on this planet.