We worship education but hate learning. We worship success but hate the successful. We worship fame but hate the famous.

Oppressed people are treacherous for the simple reason that treachery is both a means of survival and a way to curry favor with one's oppressor.

Owning your own home is America's unique recipe for avoiding revolution and promoting pseudo-equality at the same time.

Writers who have nothing to say always strain for metaphors to say it in.

Misanthropes have some admirable if paradoxical virtues. It is no exaggeration to say that we are among the nicest people you are likely to meet. Because good manners build sturdy walls, our distaste for intimacy makes us exceedingly cordial "ships that pass in the night." As long as you remain a stranger we will be your friend forever.

Agoraphobia was my quirky armor against a gregarious America.

Insecurity breeds treachery: if you are kind to people who hate themselves, they will hate you as well.