A writer represents his family history. My grandfather was a senator and my father served in the Roosevelt administration. In other words, I grew up in politics. This is why it seemed perfectly natural to take part in the battles of my time, and to participate in the writing of the history of my country.

I’m not sentimental about anything. Life flows by, and you flow with it or you don’t. Move on and move out.

I think since Watergate people are interested in what the past of this country was really like.

To speak today of a famous novelist is like speaking of a famous cabinetmaker or speedboat designer. Adjective is inappropriate to noun.

Nonprofit status is what created the Bible Belt. The tax code brought religion back to this country.

I don't seem to be cynical to myself but how what I say goes down with others is their problem. I'm realistic.

The true confessors have been aware that not only is life mostly failure, but that in one's failure or pettiness or wrongness exists the living drama of the self.