I love writing, but I would be able to love it more if that love wasn’t motivated by fear of homelessness.

Success and talent aren’t even in the same neighborhood.

The observer of the soul cannot penetrate into the soul, but there doubtless is a margin where he comes into contact with it.

So these things happen, deep in our lives. We do not speak of them. We hide them even from ourselves, but they do not leave us.

we compose our life in stories we tell ourselves

No matter how eloquently a dog may bark he cannot tell you that his parents were poor but honest.

I am a loyal American, and I love my country.

I would prefer you not to say, "That was the most terribly written piece I've ever read." That would hurt me. But you don't think I'm the best person in the world? Well, alright.

If the Almighty himself played the violin, the credits would still read 'Rubinstein, God, and Piatigorsky', in that order.

Teaching children the joy of honest labor is one of the greatest of all gifts you can bestow upon them.

I am the worst influence. If you can't handle your vices, then I am the Devil.

My teachers are Duke Ellington and nature.