• "Bad books on writing and thoughtless English professors solemnly tell beginners to 'Write What You Know', which explains why so many mediocre novels are about English professors contemplating adultery."

• "If I can reach 50 without growing up then I don't have to."

The Forever War (1974)

• "I had to stifle an impulse to laugh. Surely 'cowardice' had nothing to do with his decision. Surely he had nothing so primitive and unmilitary as a will to live."
• "I never found anyone else and I don't want anyone else. I don't care whether you're ninety years old or thirty. If I can't be your lover, I'll be your nurse."