Because the living environment is what really sustains us.

The education of women is the best way to save the environment.

I had in mind a message, although I hope it doesn't intrude too badly, persuading Americans, and especially Southerners, of the critical importance of land and our vanishing natural environment and wildlife.

Sometimes a concept is baffling not because it is profound but because it is wrong.

America in particular imposes an horrendous burden on the world. We have this wonderful standard of living but it comes at enormous cost.

In addition I wanted to write a Southern novel, because I'm a Southerner.