“In an extended family, anybody can bug out of his own house for months, and still be among relatives. Nobody has to go on a hopeless quest for friendly strangers, which is what most Americans have to do.”

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.