Before I was reading science fiction, I read Hemingway. Farewell to Arms was my first adult novel that said not everything ends well. It was one of those times where reading has meant a great deal to me, in terms of my development - an insight came from that book.

I'm aware of the mystery around us, so I write about coincidences, premonitions, emotions, dreams, the power of nature, magic.

Isabel Allende

My family moved a lot as a kid. We started in Colorado, where I lived for five years. We moved to Chicago for two years, to San Francisco for one year, Connecticut for seven, Oregon for a couple years, and then I went to school.

Gus Van Sant

Everybody's private motto: It's better to be popular than right

Mark Twain

My movies are okay, but they're not my specials.

Chris Rock

Freedom from the desire for an answer is essential to the understanding of a problem.

Jiddu Krishnamurti

When I was a child of seven years old, my friends, on a holiday, filled my pocket with coppers. I went directly to a shop where they sold toys for children; and, being charmed with the sound of a whistle, that I met by the way in the hands of another boy, I voluntarily offered and gave all my money for one. I then came home, and went whistling all over the house, much pleased with my whistle, but disturbing all the family. My brothers, and sisters, and cousins, understanding the bargain I had made, told me I had given four times as much for it as it was worth; put me in mind what good things I might have bought with the rest of the money; and laughed at me so much for my folly, that I cried with vexation; and the reflection gave me more chagrin than the whistle gave me pleasure. This however was afterwards of use to me, the impression continuing on my mind; so that often, when I was tempted to buy some unnecessary thing, I said to myself, Dont give too much for the whistle; and I saved my money.

Benjamin Franklin

Fear of sexuality is the new, disease-sponsored register of the universe of fear in which everyone now lives.

Susan Sontag

When a book leaves your hands, it belongs to God. He may use it to save a few souls or to try a few others, but I think that for the writer to worry is to take over God's business.

Flannery O'Connor

I love my fellow creatures -- I do all the good I can -- yet everybody says I'm such a disagreeable man!

W. S. Gilbert

No delusion is greater than the notion that method and industry can make up for lack of mother-wit, either in science or in practical life.

Thomas Henry Huxley

If you enjoy living, it is not difficult to keep the sense of wonder.

Ray Bradbury

Today is the only day in which we have any power.

Steve Maraboli