In order to write a book, it is necessary to sit down (or stand up) and write. Therein lies the difficulty.

Longevity, like intelligence and good looks and health and strength of character, is largely a matter of genetic heritage. Choose your parents with care.

I believe in nothing that I cannot touch, kiss, embrace.... The rest is only hearsay.

The sneakiest form of literary subtlety, in a corrupt society, is to speak the plain truth. The critics will not understand you; the public will not believe you; your fellow writers will shake their heads. Laughter, praise, honors, money, and the love of beautiful girls will be your only reward.

If there's anyone still present whom I've failed to insult . . . I apologize.

The basic science is not physics or mathematics but biology -- the study of life. We must learn to think both logically and bio-logically.

It's all still there in heart and soul. The walk, the hills, the sky, the solitary pain and pleasure-they will grow larger, sweeter, lovelier in the days and years to come.