Laughing at someone else is an excellent way of learning how to laugh at oneself; and questioning what seem to be the absurd beliefs of another group is a good way of recognizing the potential absurdity of many of one's own cherished beliefs.
Gore VidalI'm a much worse guest than I am a host, and I'm not an awfully good host either. I really like being alone.
Gore VidalThe problem with most Americans is that they don't like any question that takes more than ten seconds to answer.
Gore VidalIn large Victorian houses with many rooms and heavy doors, the occupants could be mysterious and exciting to one another in a way that those who live in rackety developments can never hope to be. Not even the lust of a Lord Byron could survive the fact of Levittown.
Gore Vidal