When I needed to think or was really upset, generally I climbed a tree.

Every once in a while, people need to be in the presence of things that are really far away.

America can enjoy a vital, fully functioning government, with all the benefits provided by Texas, while reducing Texas at the same time.

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

There's an idea of the Plains as the middle of nowhere, something to be contemptuous of. But it's really a heroic place.

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

Russians don't complain, usually.