Quotes by M. de Vries

“Everybody hates me because I'm so universally liked.””

“I write when I'm inspired, and I see to it that I'm inspired at nine o'clock every morning. ””

“Development is an evolution from simple to complex in terms of technical and managerial skills and of social-cultural connections and institutions. The concept of sustainable development supposedly combines the ideas of a process or situation that can be continued and one that is growing in complexity and maturing towards ‘natural’ fulfilment.””

“We made quite a stir as we entered, thanks mainly to Cora's outfit. It was one of those one-piece overall-type jump suits such as are worn by garage mechanics and fashionable women, all the rage just then in New York. I wouldn't run the garment down by any means. They are eminently practical and I'm sure comfortable, and Cora's was an all-white silk and lace number in which she looked stunning to say the least, but it gives you something of a start to see your hostess greet you at the door looking like your friendly Mobil dealer. All she needed was her name in script across the breast pocket. "Fill 'er up," I said at one point during cocktails, handing her my empty gin-and-tonic glass for replenishment. Nobody laughed, especially Cora. Except for my escort.””

“Do you pray for me?”“Well, that would mean the one I was addressing had done this to you to begin with, which I find hard to believe anybody would.”“I don’t quite follow you.”“I simply mean that asking Him to cure you - or me, or anybody - implies a personal being who arbitrarily does us this dirt. The prayer then is a plea to have a heart. To knock it off. I find the thought repulsive. I prefer thinking we’re the victims of chance to dignifying any such force with the name of Providence.”“We’re supposed to deserve it,” she said, poking about in a box of cookies which my mother had baked and sent me, and which I had passed along to Rena.“Not you.”“I’m a sinner.”“Stop giving yourself airs. You’re beginning to sound like Cora.”“What would you do if you were God?”“Put a stop to all this theology.””