t was almost disappointing because it seemed when stress and madness were eliminated from my daily life there wasn't much left you could depend on.

Something that never happens anywhere at any time.

First paycheck I get, I thought, I'm going to get myself a room near the downtown L.A. Public Library.

people are not good to each other. perhaps if they were our deaths would not be so sad.

Everything was a trap: women, drugs, whiskey, wine, scotch, beer - even beer - cigars, and cigarettes. Traps: Work or no work. Traps: Artistry or no artistry; everything sucked you into some spiderweb. I disdained the use of the needle for the same reason that I disdained some so-called beautiful women - the price was far beyond the measure of the worth. I didn't want to hustle that hard.

I've never been lonely. I like myself. I'm the best form of entertainment I have. Let's drink more wine!

The secret is writing down one simple line after another.