If you want things to be right, you have to do them yourself

Our culture will become like it was during the medieval times when there truly was a cultural elite. The rest of the people will just watch television, which will be their only frame of reference.

I think my biggest achievement is that, after going through a rather difficult time, I consider myself comparatively sane.

I want to live my life, not record it.

I have been through a lot and have suffered a great deal. But I have had lots of happy moments, as well. Every moment one lives is different from the other. The good, the bad, hardship, the joy, the tragedy, love, and happiness are all interwoven into one single, indescribable whole that is called life. You cannot separate the good from the bad. And perhaps there is no need to do so, either.

Love of books is the best of all.

[On John F. Kennedy:] ... now he is a legend when he would have preferred to be a man.