The streets of New York and some wards of its venerable institutions were packed with people who, despite being entirely forsaken, had episodes of glory that made the career of Alexander the Great seem like a day in the life of a file clerk.

I've never had a cup of coffee in my life. I can't even remain in the same room with coffee.

Writing is still my main career, but I would love, for instance, to serve in the New York State Assembly.

I've imagined great victories, and I've imagined great races. The races are better.

And how does God speak to you?" "In the language of everything that is beautiful.

I have to confess that I have so rarely experienced triumph that I cannot claim to know it well enough to judge, but it seems to be at best a momentary joy followed instantly by sadness, and, then, of necessity, by wariness.

The shelf was filled with books that were hard to read, that could devastate and remake one's soul, and that, when they were finished, had a kick like a mule.