I take people very seriously. People are all I take seriously, in fact. Therefore, I have nothing but sympathy for how people behave – and nothing but laughter to console them with. – John Irving
I think the sport of wrestling, which I became involved with at the age of 14… I competed until I was 34, kind of old for a contact sport. I coached the sport until I was 47. I think the discipline of wrestling has given me the discipline I have to write. – John Irving
I suppose Im proudest of my novels for whats imagined in them. I think the world of my imagination is a richer and more interesting place than my personal biography. – John Irving
And I find – Im 63, and my capacity to be by myself and just spend time by myself hasnt diminished any. Thats the necessary part of being a writer, you better like being alone. – John Irving
Badges mean nothing in themselves, but they mark a certain achievement and they are a link between the rich and the poor. For when one girl sees a badge on a sister Scouts arm, if that girl has won the same badge, it at once awakens an interest and sympathy between them. – Juliette Gordon Low