697 Quotes by John Irving

What has been violated here is your freedom of choice, and every woman's freedom of choice, too.

Because abortions are illegal, women who need and want them have no choice in the matter, and you-because you know how to perform them-have no choice, either

A personal injustice is stronger motivation than any instinct for philanthropy.

Because abortions are illegal, women who need and want them have no choice in the matter, and you-because you know how to perform them-have no choice, either.

But I had to keep my hands under the desk – my fists under the desk, I should say. The White House, that whole criminal mob, those arrogant goons who see themselves as justified to operate above the law – they disgrace democracy by claiming that what they do they do for democracy! They should be in jail. They should be in Hollywood! I know that some of the girls have told their parents that I deliver “ranting lectures” to them about the United States; some.

We can afford the workers’ compensation, Harry – he’ll watch what he says the time next, won’t he?” Nils would say. “The ‘next time,’ Nils,” Grandpa Harry would gently correct his old friend.

You’ve got to get obsessed and stay obsessed.

A truly happy woman drives some men and almost every other woman absolutely crazy.

No one could have fathomed what a life he’d led, for it was chiefly a life lived in his mind.