The real writer learns nothing from life. He is more like an oyster or a sponge.

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.

The most interesting thing about writing is the way that it obliterates time. Three hours seem like three minutes.

A talent for drama is not a talent for writing, but is ability to articulate human relationships.

Democracy is something America has never really practiced. Because the Founding Fathers hated two things: monarchy and democracy. They wanted a republic, a replica of the Roman or Venetian republics. They didn't even like the etymology of the word "democracy."

The worst thing to happen to Lincoln - aside from the unfortunate incident at Ford's theatre - was to fall into the hands of Carl Sandburg.

Most lives are spent putting on and taking off masks.