Live on, survive, for the earth gives forth wonders. It may swallow your heart, but the wonders keep on coming. You stand before them bareheaded, shriven. What is expected of you is attention.

The publishing of a book is a worldwide event. The attempt to suppress a book is a worldwide event.

All art began as sacred art, you know? I mean, all painting began as religious painting. All writing began as religious writing.

If you want to be a serious writer, then you have to write what there is to write about. If you're going to pull your punches and second-guess yourself and not do things because you're worried, then don't write. Stay home and do something else.

There is no magic on earth strong enough to wipe out the legacies of one's parents.

My heart broke open and history fell in.

Original thought, original artistic expression is by its very nature questioning, irreverent, iconoclastic.