I write about violence as naturally as Jane Austen wrote about manners. Violence shapes and obsesses our society, and if read more

I write about violence as naturally as Jane Austen wrote about manners. Violence shapes and obsesses our society, and if we do not stop being violent we have no future.

Use the losses and failures of the past as a reason for action, not inaction.

Use the losses and failures of the past as a reason for action, not inaction.

Is suffering so very serious? I have come to doubt it. It may be quite childish, a sort of undignified read more

Is suffering so very serious? I have come to doubt it. It may be quite childish, a sort of undignified pastime -- I'm referring to the kind of suffering a man inflicts on a woman or a woman on a man. It's extremely painful. I agree that it's hardly bearable. But I very much fear that this sort of pain deserves no consideration at all. It's no more worthy of respect than old age or illness.

There can be no doubt that the average man blames much more than he praises. His instinct is to blame. read more

There can be no doubt that the average man blames much more than he praises. His instinct is to blame. If he is satisfied he says nothing; if he is not, he most illogically kicks up a row.

I don't deserve this award, but I have arthritis, and I don't deserve that, either.

I don't deserve this award, but I have arthritis, and I don't deserve that, either.

Hatred can be overcome only by love.

Hatred can be overcome only by love.

They exchanged the quick, brilliant smile of women who dislike each other on sight.

They exchanged the quick, brilliant smile of women who dislike each other on sight.

Quarrels often arise in marriages when the bridal gifts are excessive.

Quarrels often arise in marriages when the bridal gifts are excessive.

Terror is as much a part of the concept of truth as runniness is of the concept of jam. We read more

Terror is as much a part of the concept of truth as runniness is of the concept of jam. We wouldn't like jam if it didn't, by its very nature, ooze. We wouldn't like truth if it wasn't sticky, if, from time to time, it didn't ooze blood.