The difference between passion and addiction is that between a divine spark and a flame that incinerates.

We may not be responsible for the world that created our minds, but we can take responsibility for the mind with which we create our world.

Not why the addiction, but why the pain.

In the real world there is no nature vs. nurture argument, only an infinitely complex and moment-by-moment interaction between genetic and environmental effects

Autonomy is impossible as long as one is driven by anything.

... While nervous tension may be a component of stress, one can be stressed without feeling tension.

Different function is a function of different system

With time and patience the mulberry leaf becomes a silk gown.

Having money is rather like being a blond. It is more fun but not vital.

One constant among the elements of 1914—as of any era—was the disposition of everyone on all sides not to prepare for the harder alternative, not to act upon what they suspected to be true.

For the personality, bankruptcy or failure may be a disaster. For the soul, it may be grist for its strangely joyful mill, and a condition it has been secretly engineering for years.

Many a standing ovation has been caused by someone jumping to his feet in an effort to beat the rest of the audience to the parking lot.

It's okay to play turtle for a while, as long as you don't get too fond of your shell.

I only know that I fired twice, or perhaps several times, without knowing whether I had hit or missed

Nature draws no line between living and nonliving.

I am working here (in Amsterdam) on my last big triptych, which will be a tremendous story, and which gives me a more intense life and exhilaration. My God, life is worth living!