Upon this theology he rarely pondered. The kernel of his practical religion was that it was respectable, and beneficial to one's business, to be seen going to services; that the church kept the Worst Elements from being still worse; and that the pastor's sermons, however dull they might seem at the time of taking, yet had a voodooistic power which 'did a fellow good-- kept him in touch with Higher Things.

Intellectually I know that America is no better than any other country; emotionally I know she is better than every other country.

Writers kid themselves-about themselves and other people. Take the talk about writing methods. Writing is just work-there's no secret. If you dictate or use a pen or type with your toes-it is just work.

She did her work with the thoroughness of a mind which reveres details and never quite understands them.

Writing is just work-there's no secret. If you dictate or use a pen or type or write with your toes-it's still just work.

It is, I think, an error to believe that there is any need of religion to make life seem worth living.