The attempt to devote oneself to literature alone is a most deceptive thing and often paradoxically it is literature that suffers for it.

We cannot remember too often that when we observe nature and especially the ordering of nature it is always ourselves alone we are observing.

I like the idea of being alone. I like the idea of often being alone in all aspects of my life. I like to feel lonely. I like to need things.

Often we can help each other most by leaving each other alone at other times we need the hand-grasp and the word of cheer.

I paint self-portraits because I am so often alone because I am the person I know best.

I've also seen that great men are often lonely. This is understandable because they have built such high standards for themselves that they often feel alone. But that same loneliness is part of their ability to create.

I have to be alone very often. I'd be quite happy if I spent from Saturday night until Monday morning alone in my apartment. That's how I refuel.

It's often just enough to be with someone. I don't need to touch them. Not even talk. A feeling passes between you both. You're not alone.

Think back to yourself at age 18. I know I was mighty different than the Patti I am today. As we grow up we grow out of our haircuts our apartments and - often times - our romantic decisions.

While I had often said that I wanted to die in bed what I really meant was that in my old age I wanted to be stepped on by an elephant while making love.