An angry man is always a stupid man.

When I'm writing, I really want to satisfy myself. I've got a story that I am working on and struggling with, and I want to tell it the most effective way I can. That's really what I struggle with. And the thought of who may be reading it may be there somewhere in the back of my mind - I'll never say it's not there because I don't know - but it's not really what I'm thinking about.

There is something about important stories that is not just the message, but also the way that message is conveyed, the arrangement of the words, the felicity of the language. So it's really a balance between your commitment, whether it's political or economic or whatever, and your craft as an artist.

There is no story that is not true, [...] The world has no end, and what is good among one people is an abomination with others.

When a mad man walks naked, it is his kinsmen who feel shame, not himself.

A functioning, robust democracy requires a healthy educated, participatory followership, and an educated, morally grounded leadership.

Living fire begets cold, impotent ash.