As you get older it is harder to have heroes, but it is sort of necessary.

A writer without a sense of justice or injustice would be better off editing the yearbook for a school for exceptional children.

You know lots of criticism is written by characters who are very academic and think it is a sign you are worthless if you make jokes or kid or even clown. I wouldn't kid Our Lord if he was on the cross. But I would attempt a joke with him if I ran into him chasing the money changers out of the temple.

The best way to become a writer is to go off and write.

You are killing me, fish, the old man thought. But you have a right to. Never have I seen a greater, or more beautiful, or a calmer or more noble thing than you, brother.

No one ever stopped when they were winning.

What is moral is what you feel good after.