Don't be 'a writer'. Be writing.

If there is a God what the hell is He for?

A mule will labour ten years willingly and patiently for you, for the privilege of kicking you once.

Our most treasured family heirloom is our sweet family memories. The past is never dead, it is not even past.

Try to be better than yourself.

If happy I can be I will, if suffer I must I can.

The salvation of the world is in man's suffering.

Your illusions are a part of you like your bones and flesh and memory.

No man can cause more grief than that one clinging blindly to the vices of his ancestors.

The only thing worth writing about is the human heart in conflict with itself

We have to start teaching ourselves not to be afraid.

The past is never dead. It's not even past.

We must be free not because we claim freedom, but because we practice it.

It's all now you see: tomorrow began yesterday and yesterday won't be over until tomorrow.

Pouring out liquor is like burning books.

Wonder. Go on and wonder.

You don’t love because: you love despite; not for the virtues, but despite the faults.

To understand the world, you must first understand a place like Mississippi.

Don't bother just to be better than others. Try to be better than yourself.