The principle of art is to pause, not bypass.

It is not sex by itself that interests me, but its particular role in American consciousness, and in my own life.

I can create countries just as I can create the actions of my characters. That is why a lot of travel seems to me a waste of time.

I am curious about grownups, not children.

- Growth has its season. There are spring and summer, but there are also fall and winter. And then spring and summer again. As long as the roots are not severed, all is well and all be well.

There's a place beyond words where experience first occurs to which I always want to return. I suspect that whenever I articulate my thoughts or translate my impulses into words, I am betraying the real thoughts and impulses which remain hidden.

It's not that you aren't likable. On the contrary. You are. It's just that one wonders if you haven't made a career out of being so likable.