What we seek, at the deepest level, is inwardly to resemble, rather than physically to possess, the objects and places that touch us through their beauty.

It seems the only way to write a half decent book is to worry oneself sick on an hourly basis that one is producing a complete disaster.

As we write, so we build: to keep a record of what matters to us.

Sweetness is the opposite of machismo, which is everywhere-and I really don't get on with machismo. I'm interested in sensitivity, and weakness, and fear, and anxiety, because I think that, at the end of the day, behind our masks, that's what we are.

Reputation matters so much only because people so seldom think for themselves.

In the works of Lucretius, we find two reasons why we shouldn't worry about death. If you have had a successful life, Lucretius tell us, there's no reason to mind its end. And, if you haven't had a good time, "Why do you seek to add more years, which would also pass but ill?"

What kills us isn't one big thing, but thousands of tiny obligations we can't turn down for fear of disappointing others.