I have begun in old age to understand...that we seldom if ever realize how generous we are to ourselves, and just how stingy with others.

It is sometimes necessary to repeat what all know. All mapmakers should place the Mississippi in the same location and avoid originality.

I've discovered that rejections are not altogether a bad thing. They teach a writer to rely on his own judgment and to say in his heart of hearts, 'To hell with you.'

And what about all the good I have in my heart - does it mean anything?

O Lord! he concluded, forgive all these trespasses. Lead me not into Penn Station.

One way or another the no doubt mad idea entered my mind that my own actions had historic importance and this fantasy (?) made it appear that people who harmed me were interfering with an important experiment.

The best and purest human beings, from the beginning of time, have understood that life is sacred.