Rid the mind of knowledge when looking for pleasure. Or start thinking and find a lot of pain.

- J. P. Donleavy

And no. I must not go on thinking. For the pain will never go away. You just go on and live. In the dust of desertion. Still falling where last I lov…

- J. P. Donleavy

Food Throwers: Begun usually by estranged couples, once this victual flinging starts, everyone will do it...Should your dinner party have become an o…

- J. P. Donleavy

I'm starved for love. Not ordinary love but real love. The love that's like music or something.

- J. P. Donleavy

Writing is turning one's worst moments into money.

- J. P. Donleavy

Blessed are they who in this sea of frailty, climb aboard a piece of ass as it floats by.

- J. P. Donleavy

I remember one letter from a girl in a midwestern town who read one of my books and thought she had discovered it- that no one had ever read it or kn…

- J. P. Donleavy

Electronic books are a bad thing because they cannot be accumulated on shelves to remind you of your past, to impress your neighbors and colleagues, …

- J. P. Donleavy

If you're going to love somebody, love somebody who needs it.

- J. P. Donleavy