A John Updike is a once-in-a-generation phenomenon, if that generation is lucky: so comfortable in so many genres, the same lively, generous intelligence suffusing all he did. – George Saunders
If death is in the room, its pretty interesting. But I would also say that Im interested in getting myself to believe that its going to happen to me. Im interested in it, because if youre not, youre nuts. Its really de facto what were here to find out about. – George Saunders
I still believe that capitalism is too harsh and I believe that, even within that, there is a lot of satisfaction and beauty if you happen to be one of the lucky ones, although that doesnt eradicate the reality of the suffering. Its all true at once, kind of humming and sublime. – George Saunders
The scariest thought in the world is that someday Ill wake up and realize Ive been sleepwalking through my life: underappreciating the people I love, making the same hurtful mistakes over and over, a slave to neuroses, fear, and the habitual. – George Saunders