There is a point beyond which conciliation looks like capitulation. I do not believe I passed that point, but others have thought otherwise.

Look at history. It's not the account of a species at peace.

There's a lot of conflict and darkness inside everybody's family. We all pretend to outsiders that it's not so but behind locked doors there are usually high emotions running.

Writers have been in terrible situations and have yet managed to produce extraordinary work.

In today's US, it's possible for almost anyone - women, gays, African-Americans, Jews - to run for, and be elected to, high office.

I have been a film buff all my life and believe that the finest cinema is fully the equal of the best novels.

Stories in families are colossally important. Every family has stories: some funny, some proud, some embarrassing, some shameful. Knowing them is proof of belonging to the family.