It is very difficult to teach navigation theory to someone who clings to the shore.

An essay is a work of literary art which has a minimum of one anecdote and one universal idea.

The more original a short-story writer, the odder looking the assortment of things he or she puts together for a story.

Literature has low enough standards. But we can avoid writing the worst literature if we make ourselves ask ourselves, every two or three sentences we write, 'Is that what I really think?'

The principle of literature is devotion to the particulars of life.

No work of literature is the product of only one or two conscious ideas. A story is mysteriously dense of meaning.

The secret of literature, which conventional people don't guess, is that writers are forever looking for the surprising revelation - not for reinforcement of collective wisdom.

For a short-story writer, a story is the combination of what the writer supposed the story would likely be about - plus what actually turned up in the course of writing.

Apprenticeship is one of the dearest roles of childhood, not just watching Dad or Mother, but being taught a hands-on trade.

Emily was feeling the elation of conscientious hosts when they can temporarily escape a ubiquitous houseguest.

No one is shallow and vulgar forever; sooner or later the whole species likes to be profound.

You make it sound so simple.” “It is, for the most part. Love is complicated, it can be downright ugly, but with the two of you it can be nothing but beautiful in the end.

Hold fast to God, do not give up and He will fulfill His Word concerning you, for He is faithful who has promised

Happiness is the meaning and the purpose of life the whole aim and end of human existence.

The fiery trials through which we pass will light us down in honor or dishonor to the latest generation.

I live by three rules: I eat when I'm hungry, sleep when I'm tired and scratch when I itch.

Canada has sent an army of 1,000 soldiers to occupy the Muslim country of Afghanistan (and ships to the Persian Gulf).

When every young man refuses to go to war, you will have peace. You do not defend any idea with violence.

Wisdom is a love affair with questions. Knowledge is a love affair with answers.

Even in so-called realist or conventional writing there can be defamiliarization.

I just want to wear my heart on my sleeve.