For most of my life, I have wanted broad impact but now, at 72, I'm not so sure that's always my first priority.

The prospect of a long day at the beach makes me panic. There is no harder work I can think of than taking myself off to somewhere pleasant, where I am forced to stay for hours and 'have fun'.

Hedonism can be a rational response to a difficult life.

The essay must be artistically rendered: You must keep the reader engaged, whether with wit, conflict, mischief, and/or yes, with honesty.

Until people see poetry as springing from all of life, they will isolate it in a creativity corner and treat it like a mascot.

Most good essays are conversations with yourself - not just your decided thoughts but your dilemmas.

The trick is to realize that one is not important, except insofar as one’s example can serve to elucidate a more widespread human trait and make readers feel a little less lonely and freakish.

A personal essay often includes some or a lot of personal confession. That makes the reader feel less lonely in their confusion and darkness.

Have fun writing, because it enhances both the writer's and reader's experience.

Confession makes you a more trustworthy narrator.

In new work, we need to see the shadow, however faint, of previous literary effort.

Whatever the mind can conceive it can achieve

Strive to be a proactive participant rather than a passive procrastinator.

I'm an athletic actor. I'm known for my action; I'm a guy who does my own stunts on screen.

Competition is the death of art.

I love to work, so give me what you've got. I'll play a tree, if you want me to. If you want fruit on it, then pay me more money. Otherwise, I just love to work.

Every day I run scared. That's the only way I can stay ahead.

There is no inherent virtue to instantaneity.

Chinese are wise in comprehending without many words what is inevitable and inescapable and therefore only to be borne.

Money can't buy happiness, but it will certainly get you a better class of memories.

I received my training at an art academy, so what I produce is art. That's what is artistic about my photographs.