There is no great sport in having bullets flying about one in every direction, but I find they have less horror when among them than when in anticipation.

To read a paper book is another experience: you can do it on a ship, on the branch of a tree, on your bed, even if there is a blackout.

In short, Roberto privately concluded, if you would avoid wars, never make treaties of peace.

New Orleans is not in the grip of a neurosis of a denied past; it passes out memories generously like a great lord; it doesn't have to pursue "the real thing."

Better reality than a dream: if something is real, then it's real and you're not to blame.

Translation is the art of failure.

The most interesting letters I received about 'The Name of the Rose' were from people in the Midwest that maybe didn't understand exactly, but wanted to understand more and who were excited by this picture of a world which was not their own.