There are plenty of brilliant people who are too stressed out to read challenging literary novels.

In Southeast Asia the world is understood to be a vast, complex network of interdependent relationships. So when global capitalism makes it impossible for small-time rice farmers to feed their families and make a living, it is a natural thing for anyone in the family who can find an alternative source of income to do so.

I am moonlighting for the Buddha.

I think it is immensely difficult to get the U.S. interested in non-U.S. topics. I dont think this is because the average American reader is disinterested, but more because of publishers playing it safe: if a thriller based in L.A. is a sure winner, why spend money plugging one based in Paris - or Bangkok?

I don't want enlightenment, I want him. Sorry Buddha, I loved him more than you.

Your fear of letting go prevents you from letting go of your fear of letting go.

Expecting to be wrong about most things most of the time brings, finally, the kind of humility that leads to peace. I think.