“There is great literature about imprisonment, . . . about the foot soldier, . . . about the sea -- but not one great work about flying.”

“That is the definition of faith, hermano," says Figueroa. "Something that we believe in even though it doesn't work."Eres un cinicio."If it worked, it would be science.”

“The only difference between dancing and fucking," he said in those days, "is that you don't fuck in front of a live band.”

“It's a mixed crowd at the dogs - black, white, hispanic - but to Walt they all look like Jackie Gleason. Heavyset guys with big plans and polyester souls.”

“He likes to know things. He checks out book and record collections when he visits people, looks in medicine cabinets, takes inventory in refrigerators. He eaves drops on conversations at public phone booths. He reads murder victims' mail.”

“I know a little bit about a great many things and not enough about any one to make a living in these times.”

“If a story is not about the hearer, he will not listen. And here I make a rule—a great and interesting story is about everyone or it will not last.”