“I am committing suicide by cigarette,” I replied. She thought that was reasonably funny. I didn’t. I thought it was hideous that I should scorn life that much, sucking away on cancer sticks.”

American novelist and short story writer of the mid-to-late 20th century He blended dark humor with sharp social commentary, exploring themes of war, human suffering, and the absurdity of existence in works like *Slaughterhouse-Five* and *Cat’s Cradle*. His distinctive, conversational style made complex ideas accessible and memorable.