In the traditional urban novel, there is only survival or not. The suburban idea, the conformist idea, that agony can be seen to and cured by doctors or psychoanalysis or self-knowledge is nowhere to be found in the city. Talking is a way of life, but it is not a cure. Same with religion. Jane Smiley on religion
Respect and fear are two different things. Jane Smiley on respect
The thing about Republicans is that they don't care so much about respect, but they love fear, at least in others. Jane Smiley on respect
I think that the Cold War was an exceptional and unnecessary piece of cruelty. Jane Smiley on war
If to live is to progress, if you are lucky, from foolishness to wisdom, then to write novels is to broadcast the various stages of your foolishness. Jane Smiley on wisdom