To be a social success, do not act pathetic, arrogant, or bored. Do not discuss your unhappy childhood, your visit to the dentist,the shortcomings of your cleaning woman, the state of your bowels, or your spouse's bad habits. You will be thought a paragon (or perhaps a monster) of good behavior.

I am often attracted to people with whom I could not hold a five minute conversation.

Reading about ethics is about as likely to improve one's behavior as reading about sports is to make one into an athlete.

My father liked to moralize, and so do I. But he was in earnest, while I am embarrassed and pretend that I am merely being witty.

Victimization has its privileges, and I want some.

Deconstruction glorifies the critic, humiliates the author, and makes the reader wonder why he bothered.

Fear of my cruel impulses makes me kind.