Enemies are somewhere else, as the fighting is almost always “over there,” with Islamic fundamentalism now replacing Russian and Chinese communism as the implacable, furtive menace. And “terrorist” is a more flexible word than “communist.” It can unify a larger number of quite different struggles and interests. What this may mean is that the war will be endless---since there will always be some terrorism.

In contrast to the written account-which, depending on its complexity of thought, reference, and vocabulary, is pitched at a larger or smaller readership-a photograph has only one language and is destined potentially for all.

It is not the position, but the disposition.

The only interesting answers are those that destroy the questions.

A writer, I think, is someone who pays attention to the world.

As photographs give people an imaginary possession of a past that is unreal, they also help people to take possession of space in which they are insecure.

I'm more cautious about what I write.