We are what we have been told about ourselves. We are the sum of the messages we have received. The true messages. The false messages.

Is death that which gives meaning to life? And I said, no, life is that which gives meaning to life.

The important thing is the educational experience itself — how to survive it.

I don’t think you can talk about progress in art—movement, but not progress.

Food ... is the topmost taper on the golden candelabrum of existence.

The writer is one who, emnbarking upon a task, does not know what to do.

Maybe writing can't be taught, but editing can be taught—prayer, fasting and self-mutilation.