Novels, except as aids to masturbation, play no part in contemporary life.

Of ex-President Eisenhower at the Republican convention of 1964 Reading a speech with his usual sense of discovery.

of Truman Capote ’s death:

One of the most fascinating aspects of politicianwatching is trying to determine to what extent any politician believes what he says.

Sex is. There is nothing more to be done about it. Sex builds no roads, writes no novels and sex certainly gives no meaning to anything in life but itself.

Some writers take to drink, others take to audiences.

Style is knowing who you are, what you want to say, and not giving a damn.

Teaching has ruined more American novelists than drink.

The American vice is explanation.

The creation of a work of art, like an act of love, is our one small “yes” at the center of a vast “no.”