Dentistry is more impressive in town-what the rural man calls cleaning the teeth is called "prophylaxis" in New York.

The essayist . . . can pull on any sort of shirt, be any sort of person, according to his mood or his subject matter - philosopher, scold, jester, raconteur, confidant, pundit, devil's advocate, enthusiast.

I have yet to see a piece of writing, political or non-political, that does not have a slant. All writing slants the way a writer leans, and no man is born perpendicular.

It is easier for a man to be loyal to his club than to his planet; the bylaws are shorter, and he is personally acquainted with the other members.

Even now; with a thousand little voyages notched in my belt. I still feel a memorial chill on casting off.

All that I hope to say in books, all that I ever hope to say, is that I love the world.

It can destroy an individual, or it can fulfill him, depending a good deal on luck. No one should come to New York to live unless he is willing to be lucky.