Once I thought to write a history of the immigrants in America. Then I discovered that the immigrants were American history.

In times of shrinking expectations,... everyone feels like a victim and pushes away outsiders to defend his own corner.

Poverty was a dog whose teeth sank deep.

We never accept the unaccepted, that which makes us uncomfortable. We love to ignore things till they can no longer be ignored.

...emotions fly humans toward art

Oh, hey, kettle, I’m pot and wow, you’re black.” - Owen

You cannot tie your fiance to the railroad track of self-reflection and personal improvement.

I am attracted only to music which I consider to be better than it can be performed.

People in high life are hardened to the wants and distresses of mankind as surgeons are to their bodily pains.

There's no diploma in the world that declares you as an artist—it's not like becoming a doctor. You can declare yourself an artist and then figure out how to be an artist.

When lovely woman stoops to folly, and finds too late that men betray, what charm can soothe her melancholy, what art can wash her guilt away?

He broke the kiss and leaned against her, breathing hard. "Good morning to you, too. Man, I just can't stay mad when you do that.

Sometimes I wish I were less sensible.