A hobby is, of course, an abomination, as are all consuming interests and passions that do not lead directly to large, personal gain.

I do not think everyone is created equal. In fact, I know they're not. [The Constitution] means that everyone should have the same laws as everyone else. It doesn't mean that everyone's as smart or as cute or as lucky as everyone else.

Instead of writing it wrong six times and then writing it right, I think it wrong six times and then write it right the seventh time.

The conversational overachiever is someone whose grasp exceeds his reach. This is possible but not attractive.

China is not a great idea: capitalism and a dictator. It's like the two worst possible things you could imagine together. It's a very bad idea.

I think one manifestation of integrity is holding a grudge. Saying no is a little different. Holding a grudge is the modern equivalent of having standards.

The best fame is a writer's fame. It's enough to get a table at a good restaurant, but not enough to get you interrupted when you eat.