Commas in The New Yorker fall with the precision of knives in a circus act, outlining the victim.

Books hold most of the secrets of the world, most of the thoughts that men and women have had. And when you are reading a book, you and the author are alone together-just the two of you.

The main thing I try to do is write as clearly as I can. Because I have the greatest respect for the reader, and if he's going to the trouble of reading what I've written -- I'm a slow reader myself and I guess most people are -- why, the least I can do is make it as easy as possible for him to find out what I'm trying to say, trying to get at. I rewrite a good deal to make it clear.

I have one share in corporate Earth, and I am nervous about the management.

Why is it, do you suppose, that an Englishman is unhappy until he has explained America?

Books are good company, in sad times and happy times, for books are people-- people who have managed to stay alive by hiding between the covers of a book.

Humour plays close to the big, hot fire, which is the truth, and the reader feels the heat.