way that when the audience first sees them, they have one meaning, but with a rush of insight, they take on a second, more important meaning.

The trick is not to be a slave to your ideas, but to immerse yourself in life.

the honest answer is always correct.

Comedy is pure: If the audience laughs, it works: if it doesn’t laugh, it doesn’t work.

Life teaches this grand principle: What seems is not what is.

alternation between tension and relaxation is the pulse of living,

Screen dialogue demands short, simply constructed sentences

Love them all without losing your clearheadedness.

With rare exceptions, unrecognized genius is a myth.