"The windows of the soul are infinite, we are told. And it is through the eyes of the soul that paradise is visioned. If there are flaws in your paradise, open more windows!" (Part 1, The Oranges of the Millennium, pg. 25.)

"Big Sur is not a Mecca, a Lourdes, or even a Lhasa. Nor is it a Klondike for the incurable idealist. If you are an artist and think to muscle in here, it would be wise to first find a patron, because the artist cannot live off the artist, and here every other individual, seemingly, is an artist of one sort or another. Even the plumbers" (Part 1, The Oranges of the Millennium, pg. 37.)

"On sober thought, my advice to Harvey (and to all who find themselves in Harvey's boots) stuck me as being sound and sensible. If you can't give the is-ness of a thing give the not-ness...