One thing in the Middlewest: If you're in my business you're aware of the low opinion both coasts have of the midlands. And that is quite mistaken. New York would be a Kokomo if it weren't for Middlewesterners coming there.

- Why me? - That is a very Earthling question to ask, Mr. Pilgrim. Why you? Why us for that matter? Why anything? Because this moment simply is. Have you ever seen bugs trapped in amber? - Yes. - Well, here we are, Mr. Pilgrim, trapped in the amber of this moment. There is no why.

Be patient. Your future will come to you and lie down at your feet like a dog who knows and loves you no matter what you are.

That's the secret of how to enjoy writing and how to make yourself meet high standards," said Mrs. Berman. "You don't write for the whole world, and you don't write for ten people, or two. You write for just one person.

If you really want to hurt your parents and you don't have nerve enough to be homosexual, the least you can do is go into the arts.

A lack of seriousness has led to all sorts of wonderful insights.

We have to continually be jumping off cliffs and developing our wings on the way down.