The measure of civilized behavior is compassion.

I believe I have a sunny disposition, and am not naturally a grouch. It takes a lot of optimism, after all, to be a traveler.

You define a good flight by negatives: you didn't get hijacked, you didn't crash, you didn't throw up, you weren't late, you weren't nauseated by the food. So you are grateful.

All politicians, even the most idealistic ones, are looking for money, sucking up to rich people.

The measure of civilized behavior is compassion.

Many aspects of the writing life have changed since I published my first book, in the 1960s. It is more corporate, more driven by profits and marketing, and generally less congenial - but my day is the same: get out of bed, procrastinate, sit down at my desk, try to write something.

Although I'm not fluent in sign language by a long way, I could have a fairly decent conversation.