Sublime places repeat in grand terms a lesson that ordinary life typically teaches viciously: that the universe is mightier than we are, that we are frail and temporary and have no alternative but to accept limitations on our will; that we must bow to necessities greater than ourselves.

Being funny should be an incidental byproduct of trying to get to something truthful, not a destination in itself.

We used to build temples, and museums are about as close as secular society dares to go in facing up to the idea that a good building can change your life (and a bad one ruin it).

Gaffe-focused journalism: revenge of intelligent people who know true evils are out there but lack the access/time to get to them.

The good parent: someone who doesn't mind, for a time, being hated by their children.

As adults, we try to develop the character traits that would have rescued our parents.

It is perhaps sad books that best console us when we are sad, and to lonely service stations that we should drive when there is no one for us to hold or love.