Contrary to what people think, I slave over my books.

I think the crucial thing in the writing career is to find what you want to do and how you fit in. What somebody else does is of no concern whatever except as an interesting variation.

a soldier lives always for the next battle, because he knows that before it arrives impossible changes can occur in his favor.

Things are going to go wrong, and I think we are false to life if we don’t portray it. But there is also the hope that some lucky clown is going to come along and stumble into the gold mine. And I think you are also entitled to hold out that hope.

Rampaging horsemen can conquer; only the city can civilize.

Character consists of what you do on the third and fourth tries.

I had been educated with free scholarships. I went to nine different universities, always at public expense, and when you have that experience, you are almost obligated to give it back. It's as simple as that.