New York is not like London, a now-and-then place to many people. You can either not live in New York or not live anyplace else. One is either a lover or hater.

maturity ... is letting things happen.

one sank into the ancient sin of anomie when challenges failed.

Shifting problems is the first rule for a long and pleasant life.

We in middle age require adventure.

It's hard to be happy, and safe, and applauded in a miserable world.

A literary academic can no more pass a bookstore than an alcoholic can pass a bar.