Too much is made for us; too much is given to us - even those of us who are underprivileged. The poverty is given to us. The difficulties are given to us.

I don't make that hard and fast distinction between political and nonpolitical writing. I write about what bothers me.

Writers transform: they throw a hand grenade into the notion of reality that people carry around in their heads. That's very dangerous, very destructive, but not to do it means you are satisfied with the status quo - and that's a kind of danger as well, because a kind of violence is already being perpetuated.

The whole idea of spellbinding, of being an entertainer, being the center of the stage, making up words - that let me know that writing is nice.

Know then this truth, enough for man to know virtue alone is happiness below.

The United States are a political state, or organized society, whose end is government, for the security, welfare, and happiness of all who live under its protection.

There are days when my heart is troubled, and just being in the Lord's presence and thinking about His love for me fills my heart with inexplicable peace and joy.

There’s no such thing as working too hard. Don’t throw in the towel. Keep trying. But always make time for playfulness and silliness and joy in every day.