Democracy, like any non-coercive relationship, rests on a shared understanding of limits.

The world is not run by thought, nor by imagination, but by opinion.

The test of literature is, I suppose, whether we ourselves live more intensely for the reading of it.

Too often travel, instead of broadening the mind, merely lengthens the conversations.

The torment of human frustration, whatever its immediate cause, is the knowledge that the self is in prison, its vital force and "mangled mind" leaking away in lonely, wasteful self-conflict.

People are more violently opposed to fur than leather because it's safer to harass rich women than motorcycle gangs. People are very inclined to set moral standards for others.

The pain of loss, moreover, however agonizing, however haunting in memory, quiets imperceptibly into acceptance as the currents of active living and of fresh emotions flow over it.

It takes two to write a letter as much as it takes two to make a quarrel.

Money buys access; access buys influence.

[On newspapers:] A first draft of history.

The Republicans’ plan is that if they can’t buy the 2012 election they will steal it.

Everywhere that freedom stirs, let tyrants fear.

Moments of unexpected sweetness happen when romance enters, which always happens in songs - if just for a split second.

We were birthed with one soul to take care of, and we must take care of it.

I know generals who disagree with [Barack] Obama, but I don't think these people are idiots or been reduced to rubble.

A cynic sees little to admire in the world, while the world sees even less to admire in him.

Be an earnest student of yourself. Study your leading desires and tendencies.

I've been quite lucky - everything I've done has been quite varied.

I spot detail quickly.

Most Christians do not have fellowship with God; they have fellowship with each other about God.

In essence, everything is energy and cannot be destroyed.