“If a story is not about the hearer, he will not listen. And here I make a rule—a great and interesting story is about everyone or it will not last.”

Socialism is just another form of religion, and thus delusional.

Write freely and as rapidly as possible and throw the whole thing on paper.

And, of course, people are interested only in themselves. If a story is not about the hearer he will not listen.

When a man comes to die, no matter what his talents and influences and genius, if he dies unloved his life must be a failure to him and his dying a cold horror.

A writer lives in awe of words, for they can be cruel or kind, and they can change their meanings right in front of you. They pick up flavors and odors like butter in a refrigerator.

If you’re in trouble, or hurt or need – go to the poor people. They’re the only ones that’ll help – the only ones.

I have come to believe that a great teacher is a great artist and that there are as few as there are any other great artists. Teaching might even be the greatest of the arts since the medium is the human mind and spirit.

I believe that love cannot be bought except with love.

Only mediocrity escapes criticism.

Girls have a way of knowing or feeling what you feel, but they usually like to hear it also.

My imagination will get me a passport to hell one day.

I am convinced that basically dogs think humans are nuts.

There’s nothing in the world like that first taste of beer.

The great companies did not know that the line between hunger and anger is a thin line.

The final weapon is the brain, all else is supplemental.

I believe a strong woman may be stronger than a man, particularly if she happens to have love in her heart. I guess a loving woman is indestructible.