America is no place for an artist: to be an artist is to be a moral leper, an economic misfit, a social liability. A corn-fed hog enjoys a better life than a creative writer, painter or musician. To be a rabbit is better still.

The only peace, the only security, is in fulfillment.

There is only one thing which interests me vitally now, and that is the recording of all that which is omitted in books

There is nothing in itself which is wrong or evil not even murder.

My understanding of the meaning of a book is that the book itself disappears from sight, that it is chewed alive, digested and incorporated into the system as flesh and blood which in turn creates new spirit and reshapes the world.

I will never again go to people under false pretenses even if it is to give them the Holy Bible. I will never again sell anything, even if I have to starve. I am going home now and I will sit down and really write about people.

Even if one’s whole life were a mistake, there is always time to change.