Running the big rapids is like sex: half the fun lies in the anticipation. Two thirds of the thrill with the approach. The remainder is only ecstasy-or darkness.

Not all questions can be answered.

I would not sacrifice a single living mesquite tree for any book ever written. One square mile of living desert is worth a hundred 'great books' - and one brave deed is worth a thousand.

The rich are not very nice. That's why they're rich.

As Mark Twain said, 'I love Wagner -- if only they'd cut out all that damned singing!'

A good writer must have more than vin rosé in his veins, use more than Chablis for ink.

Charity should be spontaneous. Calculated altruism is an affront.