Whenever someone accuses someone of being a racist - which is rare, you have to admit, considering how much racism there is - there is an incredible outrage. I realized that we live in an environment that it seems to be worse to call someone a racist than to be one.

There are some short essays that are very grave, and most contemporary novels are lighter than air.

Anti-smoking sentiment has replaced middle-class morality entirely. The smoker has taken the place of the homosexual. Today you hear people say things about smokers that used to be said about homosexuals - they pollute the environment; you don't want them around your children.

The telephone is a good way to talk to people without having to offer them a drink.

Without these tourists, New York would be fantastic. I don't want them to come. Stay home!

No one's supposed to be the president. This is not England. And it's not just the Bush family, all families designate each child as having some particular trait.

When I was young, I liked romance. But to me, romance is the opposite of domestic life. I just don't want anyone in the apartment, not for longer than a few hours.