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.

Anathematization of the world is not an adequate response to the world.

The much heaves and palpitates. It is multidirectional and has a mayor.

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

Capitalism arose and took off its pajamas. Another day, another dollar. Each man is valued at what he will bring in the marketplace. Meaning has been drained from work and assigned instead to remuneration.

My mother studied English and drama at the University of Pennsylvania, where my father studied architecture. She was a great influence in all sorts of ways, a wicked wit.

Yes, success is everything. Failure is more common. Most achieve a sort of middling thing, but fortunately one's situation is always blurred, you never know absolutely quite where you are.