To attempt to superimpose its views through the exercise of force is seldom the part of intelligence it is frequently the part of ignorance.

People are what you make them. A scornful look turns into a complete fool a man of average intelligence. A contemptuous indifference turns into an enemy a woman who well treated might have been an angel.

Any attempts at humor immediately after September 11th were deemed tasteless.

True humor springs not more from the head than from the heart. It is not contempt its essence is love. It issues not in laughter but in still smiles which lie far deeper.

I had a huge advantage when I started 50 years ago - my job was secure. I didn't have to promote myself. These days there's far more pressure to make a mark so the temptation is to make adventure television or personality shows. I hope the more didactic approach won't be lost.

A lot of people because of my contempt for the false consolations of religion think of me as a symbolic public opponent of that in extremis. And sometimes that makes me feel a bit alarmed to be the repository of other people's hope.

I've never had WiFi at home. I'm too easily distracted and YouTube is too tempting.

Most fathers don't see the war within the daughter her struggles with conflicting images of the idealized and flawed father her temptation both to retreat to Daddy's lap and protection and to push out of his embrace to that of beau and the world beyond home.

For years my wedding ring has done its job. It has led me not into temptation. It has reminded my husband numerous times at parties that it's time to go home. It has been a source of relief to a dinner companion. It has been a status symbol in the maternity ward.

My mother whom I love dearly has continually revised my life story within the context of a complicated family history that includes more than the usual share of divorce step-children dysfunction and obfuscation. I've spent most of my adult life attempting to deconstruct that history and separate fact from fiction.