I take it for granted that there's a side of me that loves public action, and there's another side of me that really wants to be alone and work and write. And I've learned to alternate the two as matters develop.
Norman MailerThere are these two kinds of patriotism. There's blind patriotism, unflagging patriotism. And then there's the patriotism that says I live in a democracy and it's very important for the health and the life of this democracy that it get better all the time, not get worse.
Norman MailerGreat hope has no real footing unless one is willing to face into the doom that may also be on the way. p.207
Norman MailerThe final purpose of art is to intensify, even, if necessary, to exacerbate, the moral consciousness of people.
Norman Mailer