Envy is never general, but always very particular - at least envy of the kind one feels strongly.
Joseph EpsteinI know from the middle distance I give off the look of being prolific, which is a funny compliment to receive.
Joseph EpsteinWe who are quotatious are never truly alone, but always hear the cheerful flow of remarks made by dead writers so much more intelligent than we.
Joseph EpsteinI 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.
Joseph Epstein