Literature isn't a moral beauty contest. Its power arises from the authority and audacity with which the impersonation is pulled off; the belief it inspires is what counts. Philip Roth ariseaudacityauthority Change image and share on social
I've stopped reading fiction. I don't read it at all. I read other things: history, biography. I don't have the same interest in fiction that I once did. Philip Roth biographyfictionhave Change image and share on social
Unless one is inordinately fond of subordination, one is always at war. Philip Roth fondinordinatelysubordination Change image and share on social
Old age isn't a battle; old age is a massacre. Philip Roth agebattlemassacre Change image and share on social
Is an intelligent human being likely to be much more than a large-scale manufacturer of misunderstanding? Philip Roth humanintelligentlarge Change image and share on social
I don't ask writers about their work habits. I really don't care. Philip Roth carehabitwork Change image and share on social
Life is just a short period of time in which you are alive. Philip Roth alivelifeperiod Change image and share on social
I think I write and publish as often as I do because I can't bear being without a book to work on... I don't feel I have this to say or that to say or this story to tell, but I know I want to be occupied with the writing process while I'm living. Philip Roth bearbookfeel share on social
A Jewish man with parents alive is a fifteen-year-old boy, and will remain a fifteen-year-old boy until they die! Philip Roth aliveboydie Change image and share on social
A Jew without Jews, without Judaism, without Zionism, without Jewishness, without a temple or an army or even a pistol, a Jew clearly without a home, just the object itself, like a glass or an apple. Philip Roth applearmyglass Change image and share on social
