I think what is important for things to be funny is if you the listener, or the reader, get a chance to supply the humor of it yourself.

I don't want to participate in traditional Indian religious ceremonies - dance in a sun dance or pray in a sweat lodge or go on a vision quest with the help of a medicine man. The power of these ceremonies has an appeal, but I'm content with what little religion I already have.

People in Russia adapt to misery by a deep, deep humor.

I don't want to collect Indian art, though pots and beadwork and blankets made by Indians remain the most beautiful art objects in the American West, in my opinion.

A book tour is not a good opportunity to let your mind wander. You have to pay attention, remember salespeople's and interviewers' names, succinctly summarize your book in a 'selling' way, and so on.

Russian humor is to adapt or make some sense or nonsense out of the insanity of their lives.

I think what is important for things to be funny is if you the listener, or the reader, get a chance to supply the humor of it yourself.