"I'm a writer, not a saint."

"I still believe that America is a good idea. I also believe that a lot of what we're doing right now is going to destroy that idea."

"It was a good ride. There's no point in regretting any of it."

"The main problem in this country is that we have too many smart people who aren't doing anything."

"There are times, and I have many of them, when I am gripped by a feeling of utter futility. I mean, what's the use?"