Now I see -- we are always most revolted by the things hidden within us.

I now know that to do a worthwhile family history I must interpret the past without falling into either demonizing or unquestioning acceptance. . . . As a playwright, what I object to right now is any form of fundamentalism, whether it's nationalistic, religious or ethnic. . . . I think it is ridiculous - and fundamentalist, by the way - to say that I am not changed by the culture around me.

Chinese culture in general is not very religious. Confucianism is more a code of ethics than a religion, and ancestor worship is a way for parents to control you even after theyre dead.

This is the ultimate cruelty, isn't it? That I can talk and talk and to anyone listening, it's only air--too rich a diet to be swallowed by a mundane world.

Well, there's no guarantee of failure in life like happiness in high school.

Tonight, I've finally learned to tell fantasy from reality. And, knowing the difference, I choose fantasy.

To me to write well is to battle stereotypes. To write well is to create three-dimensional characters that seem human.