“I do not say what I feel, and people often take that for shyness, even kindness.”

“I'm always amazed that people take what I say seriously. I don't even take what I am seriously.”

“Because you actually might not know what activities truly engage your attention and satisfy you, he says, it can be helpful to keep a diary of what you do all day and how you feel while doing it. Then, try to do more of what's rewarding, even if it takes an effort, and less of what isn't. Where optimal experience is concerned, he says, "'I just don't have the time' often means 'I just don't have the self-discipline.”

“If you want to kind of try what I do, take life seriously but none of the people in it.”

“I never take any notice to what common people say, and I never interfere with what charming people do.”

“Quite often somebody will say, 'What year do your books take place?' and the only answer I can give is, in childhood.”