For a country boy, poor as I was, whose constant worry was to be able to have enough to eat, the Army guaranteed one's survival.

Possibly because I've lived so much of my life in difficult circumstances, I think I have a more profound understanding of life.

One of the biggest problems in literature is the lack of subtlety.

I am also well aware that literature only has a minimal influence on political disputes or economic crises in the world, but its significance to human beings is ancient.

A writer should always bravely face life, risking death and mutilation in order to dethrone an emperor.

When literature exists, perhaps we do not notice how important it is, but when it does not exist, our lives become coarsened and brutal. For this reason, I am proud of my profession, but also aware of its importance.

A writer should express criticism and indignation at the dark side of society and the ugliness of human nature, but we should not use one uniform expression.