The more clearly one sees this world; the more one is obliged to pretend it does not exist.

Life forces enough final decisions on us. We should have the sense to avoid as many of the unnecessary ones as we can.

I always know more about the ending, even the aftermath to the ending, than I know about the beginning. And so there's a construction that works from back to front.

Wrestling was my first success, the first thing that confirmed that I could be good at anything. Devoting yourself to wrestling, or tennis, or skiing, or dance, or to a musical instrument is a longing to be disciplined for a purpose.

My life as a writer consists of 1/8 talent and 7/8 discipline.

I think now that is the nature of hymns-they make us want to repeat them...they are a part of any service, and often the only part of a funeral service, that makes us feel everything is acceptable.

If you are lucky enough to find a way of life you love, you have to find the courage to live it.