Every human being has appetites difficult to control but far fewer have humility, gentleness, and an awareness of their weaknesses.

The hatred of truth is the taproot of violence.

A plot without action is like pasta without garlic, like Dolly Parton without cleavage, and like a writer without his similes.

Home is the first refuge from - and last defense against - the disappointments and the terrors of life.

No one's life should be rooted in fear. We are born for wonder, for joy, for hope, for love, to marvel at the mystery of existence, to be ravished by the beauty of the world, to seek truth and meaning, to acquire wisdom, and by our treatment of others to brighten the corner where we are.

Love and sausage are alike. Can never have enough of either.

The rain wasn't the usual glittering silver, but dark and dirty, as if nature were a scrubwoman wringing out a filthy mop.