“Syrup! As soon as something enters your head you blurt it out. That’s your big weakness, your worst temptation.”

This was my day to see the other fellow’s point of view. How does anyone strengthen himself? Denise had it right, you know — by overcoming the persistent temptation. There’ve been times when just because I kept my mouth shut and didn’t say what I thought, I felt my strength increasing. Still, I don’t seem to know what I think till I see what I say.

— Saul Bellow, Humboldt’s Gift