The Japanese have perfected good manners and made them indistinguishable from rudeness.

I am happy being what I am.

You go away for a long time and return a different person - you never come all the way back.

...a society without jaywalkers might indicate a society without artists.

Anything is possible on a train: a great meal, a binge, a visit from card players, an intrigue, a good night's sleep, and strangers' monologues framed like Russian short stories.

I think most serious and omnivorous readers are alike- intense in their dedication to the word, quiet-minded, but relieved and eagerly talkative when they meet other readers and kindred spirits.

I cannot make my days longer so I strive to make them better.