Using quotations was at first quite spontaneous for me, but then this use became strengthened through reflection. But originally this practice came out of temperament.

Our appreciations, it was felt, could be so much more inclusive if we said that something, instead of being beautiful, was 'interesting'.

The last sentence of a book is, of course, where you have to stop.

I feel that I've had enough theoretical speculation to last me a lifetime.

Writing is a mysterious activity.

Most of my reading is rereading.

Loeb has been doing wonderfully patient work, exploring the American conscience from the inside. I regard him as something of a national treasure.