The real contest is always between what you've done and what you're capable of doing. You measure yourself against yourself and nobody else.

What's terrible is to pretend that second-rate is first-rate. To pretend that you don't need love when you do; or you like your work when you know quite well you're capable of better.

生命的意义在于活得充实，而不在于活得长久。

我不是一个为了娱乐而写作的作家。我写作是为了激发思考并挑战现状。