Grand opera is a form of musical entertainment for people who hate music.

It is not the writer's task to answer questions but to question answers. To be impertinent, insolent, and, if necessary, subversive.

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.

In the modern world, all literary art is necessarily political -- especially that which pretends not to be.

Love implies anger. The man who is angered by nothing cares about nothing.

There has never been an 'original' sin: each is quite banal.

Why I oppose the nuclear-arms race: I prefer the human race.