It seemed to me that I should have a desk, even though I had no real need for a desk. I was afraid that if I had no desk in my room my life would seem too haphazard.

The beginner should approach style warily, realizing that it is himself he is approaching, no other; and he should begin by turning resolutely away from all devices that are popularly believed to indicate style - all mannerisms, tricks, adornments. The approach to style is by way of plainness, simplicity, orderliness, sincerity.

When a man hangs from a tree it doesn't spell justice unless he helped write the law that hanged him.

Sailors have an expression about the weather: they say the weather is a great bluffer. I guess the same is true of our human society — things can look dark, then a break shows in the clouds, and all is changed.

In a man's middle years there is scarcely a part of the body he would hesitate to turn over to the proper authorities.

When snow accumulates week after week, month after month, it works curious miracles.

I admire anybody who has the guts to write anything at all.