It is by no means an irrational fancy that in a future existence we shall look upon what we think our present existence as a dream.

Good fellowship and friendship are lasting rational and manly pleasures.

So far as discipline is concerned freedom means not its absence but the use of higher and more rational forms as contrasted with those that are lower or less rational.

To criticize a person for their race is manifestly irrational and ridiculous but to criticize their religion that is a right. That is a freedom.

Food is not rational. Food is culture habit craving and identity.

I approach my character with the question: What would an animal think? How would an animal respond? A lot of times it's quick action and no fear and sometimes it's irrational fear. You don't always know.

What people fear most about tragedy is its randomness - a taxi cab jumps the curb and hits a pedestrian a gun misfires and kills a bystander. Better to have some rational cause and effect between incident and injury. And if cause and effect aren't possible better that there at least be some reward for all the suffering.

As repressed sadists are supposed to become policemen or butchers so those with an irrational fear of life become publishers.

Roosevelt's declaration that Americans had 'nothing to fear but fear itself' was a glorious piece of inspirational rhetoric and just as gloriously wrong.

You never know when some small thing will lead to a big idea. Travel is very inspirational - but it's in the ordinary that I find my themes of love and work and family.