As a biologist, I can't think of myself as anything but an animal among animals and plant.

We're animals. We're born like every other mammal and we live our whole lives around disguised animal thoughts.

restraint equals indulgence

It is harrowing for me to try to teach 20-year-old students, who earnestly want to improve their writing. The best I can think to tell them is: Quit smoking, and observe posted speed limits. This will improve your odds of getting old enough to be wise

I never think that anything I'm writing is bluntly political in any way. I'm not going for commentary.

When I sit down to write, I consider myself an artist.