Where do you get the right to decide our lives? I'll tell you where. From that little hog's gut that hangs between your legs. Well, let me tell you something... you will need more than that. I don't know where you will get it or who will give it to you, but mark my words, you will need more than that.... You are a sad, pitiful, stupid, selfish, hateful man. I hope your little hog's gut stands you in good stead, and you take good care of it, because you don't have anything else.

To be given dominion over another is a hard thing; to wrest dominion over another is a wrong thing; to give dominion of yourself to another is a wicked thing.

Most of our lives are spent in little towns, little towns all throughout the country. That's where we live. And that's where the juices come from and that's where we made it, not made it in terms of success but made who we are.

Lay my head on the railroad line. Train come along; pacify my mind.

I think some aspects of writing can be taught. Obviously, you can't teach vision or talent. But you can help with comfort.

It seems to me everything Shakespeare did was political.

Misery don't call ahead. That's why you have to stay awake - otherwise it just walks on in your door.