53. The Spooky Art

That is the title of Norman Mailer's book. Here are some parts that I noted down.

I'd never dream, however, of not reading review. It would be like not looking at a naked woman if she happens to be standing in front of her open window. Whether ugly or lovely, she is undeniably interesting under such circumstances.

Tolstoy teaches us that compassion is of value and enriches our life only when compassion is severe, which is to say that we can peceive everything that is good and bad about a character but are still able to feel that the sum of us as human beings is probably a little more good than awful.

[...] one must be able to do a good day's work on a bad day, and indeed, that is a badge of honor decent professionals are entitled to wear.