Odd, the years it took to learn one simple fact: that the prize just ahead, the next job, publication, love affair, marriage always seemed to hold the key to satisfaction but never, in the longer run, sufficed.

One cannot make up stories; one can only retell in new ways the stories one has already heard.

maturity ... is letting things happen.

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

Normal is absolutely my least favorite word.

People who are genuinely involved in life, not just living a routine they've contrived to protect them from disaster, always seem to have more demanded of them than they can easily take on.

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