Hedonism can be a rational response to a difficult life.

Why am I attracted to all these lying quotes all of a sudden? Here’s another one. This one by Phillip Lopate: ‘(Children know it better than adults) that in telling a lie, fidelity is everything.’

I am apt to be harsh in my secret judgments of others, seeing them as defective because they are not enough like me.

I really do like to write and when I'm not, I think, "Okay, I'll be a good citizen now" but fact is, that's secondary.

For most of my life, I have wanted broad impact but now, at 72, I'm not so sure that's always my first priority.

I'm fortunate in being able to find great satisfaction in my work.

My wife and daughter have accused me of being too silent at breakfast but I don't want to talk when I don't have much to say.