We study biology, physics, movements of glaciers... Where are the classes on envy, feeling wronged, despair, bitterness.

It seemed an advantage to be traveling alone. Our responses to the world are crucially moulded by the company we keep, for we temper our curiosity to fit in with the expectations of others...Being closely observed by a companion can also inhibit our observation of others; then, too, we may become caught up in adjusting ourselves to the companion's questions and remarks, or feel the need to make ourselves seem more normal than is good for our curiosity.

The problem is if you really believe in a society where those who merit to get to the top, get to the top, you’ll also, by implication … believe in a society where those who deserve to get to the bottom also get to the bottom and stay there.

I know a lot about writing, but I don't know much about how other industries work. I've tried to use my naivety to my advantage.

Most good thinking has its origin in fear.

According to Montaigne, it was the oppressive notion that we had complete mental control over our bodies, and the horror of departing from this portrait of normality, that had left the man unable to perform sexually.

The challenge for a human now is to be more interesting to another than his or her smartphone.