If we get our self-esteem from superficial places from our popularity appearance business success financial situation health any of these we will be disappointed because no one can guarantee that we'll have them tomorrow.

The turning point was when I hit my 30th birthday. I thought if really want to write it's time to start. I picked up the book How to Write a Novel in 90 Days. The author said to just write three pages a day and I figured I can do this. I never got past Page 3 of that book.

Since graduation I have measured time in 4-by-5-inch pieces of paper four days on the left and three on the right. Every social engagement interview reading flight doctor's appointment birthday and dry-cleaning reminder has been handwritten between metal loops.

My ace in the hole as a human being used to be my capacity for remembering birthdays. I worked at it. Whenever I made a new friend I made a point of finding out his or her birthday early on and I would record it in my Filofax calendar.

I quit high school on my birthday. It was my senior year and I didn't see the point. This was 1962 and I was ready to make music.

At some point I would like to write a book and other things but I work best when there is some sort of deadline in my own mind but not when fifty people or fifty million people are breathing down the back of my neck.

One must not make oneself cheap here - that is a cardinal point - or else one is done. Whoever is most impertinent has the best chance.

He is the best sailor who can steer within fewest points of the wind and exact a motive power out of the greatest obstacles.

The best security for civilization is the dwelling and upon properly appointed and becoming dwellings depends more than anything else the improvement of mankind.

Our best successes often come after our greatest disappointments.