This is the way life goes in Big Sur. Waiting for the mail, watching the sea-lions in the surf or the freighters on the horizon, sitting in the tubs at Hot Springs, once in a while a bit of drink - and, most of the time, working at what ever it is that you came here to work on, whether it be painting, writing, gardening or the simple art of living your own life.

Familiarity seems to breed contempt

Sex, drugs, and insanity have always worked for me, but I wouldn't recommend them for everyone.

With the truth so dull and depressing, the only working alternative is wild bursts of madness and filigree.

Yes sir, I am a tortured man for all seasons, as they say, and I have powerful friends in high places. Birds sing where I walk, and children smile when they see me coming.

There was no time for scholarly details, and, besides, I have always believed that a man can fairly be judged by the standards and taste of his choices in matters of high-level plagiarism.

The Sixties were an era of extreme reality. I miss the smell of tear gas. I miss the fear of getting beaten.