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.

Most writers are middle-class and are the children of doctors or lawyers.

There are a great many people who have a vested interest in maintaining the stupidity of the American public.

I was born a writer. When that happens, you have no choice in the matter.

The United States is my subject, but as Hawthorne once wrote, "the United States are suited for many admirable purposes, but not to live in."

The genius of our ruling class is that it has kept a majority of the people from ever questioning the inequity of a system where most people drudge along, paying heavy taxes for which they get nothing in return.

One of the most fascinating aspects of politician-watching is trying to determine to what extent any politician believes what he says.