Always seek the general and never quite trust it.

Envy is never general, but always very particular - at least envy of the kind one feels strongly.

For me writing is foremost a mode of thinking and when it works well, an act of discovery

I just know so many people who have six or seven foreign languages and have read everything and have musical training and they are still dorks

I have myself always been terrified of plagiarism - of being accused of it, that is. Every writer is a thief, though some of us are more clever than others at disguising our robberies. The reason writers are such slow readers is that we are ceaselessly searching for things we can steal and then pass off as our own: a natty bit of syntax, a seamless transition, a metaphor that jumps to its target like an arrow shot from an aluminum crossbow.

By the way, the secret of speaking French is confidence. Whether you are right or wrong, you don't hesitate.

That wine drinking is more effete than beer drinking? No question.