The difference between Socrates and Jesus is that no one had ever been put to death in Socrates' name. And that is because Socrates' ideas were never made law. Law, in whatever name, protects privilege.

Like art and politics, gangsterism is a very important avenue of assimilation into society.

Things that appear on the front page of the newspaper as 'fact' are far more dangerous than the games played by a novelist, and can lead to wars.

And so the ordinary unendurable torments we all experienced were indeed exceptional in the way they were absorbed in each heart.

I am led to the proposition that there is no fiction or nonfiction as we commonly understand the distinction: there is only narrative.

Writers are not just people who sit down and write. They hazard themselves. Every time you compose a book your composition of yourself is at stake.

We are all good friends. Friendship is what endures. Shared ideals, respect for the whole character of a human being.