If you're here for four more years or four more weeks, you're here right now. I think when you're somewhere, you ought to be there. It's not about how long you stay in a place, it's about what you do while you're there, and when you go, is that place any better for your having been there?
Jerry StahlI think there's a phenomenon of people who want to be around something that seems "dangerous." It makes them feel more real.
Jerry StahlThe traditional dictionary definition of the difference is that an alcoholic will steal your wallet in a blackout, come to, and apologize for it. A junkie will steal your wallet and then help you look for it. But ultimately I think all addictions boil down to just not being able to be with yourself for any long degree of time.
Jerry StahlThis is, I believe, what happens when people take their own lives. They're not killing themselves, they're killing the world. Either to spare it pain or to cause it some, depending.
Jerry StahlHalf the reason I turned into a writer is you didn't have to show up anywhere. You could work naked.
Jerry Stahl