“Don't ask to live in tranquil times. Literature doesn't grow there.” — Rita Mae Brown

Political elections are not life and death.

Cats and dogs believe politicians are like cemetery caregivers; they are on top of everyone, but nobody listens.

I don't think you can ever assess your work. I don't think Turgenev could assess his any more than I can assess mine, and his didn't have a social impact as much as great literary impact.

There hasn't been a day in my life since I started Latin in ninth grade that I haven't benefited by the lives of the ancients.