In a world in which time is a circle, every handshake, every kiss, every birth, every word, will be repeated precisely.

I oppose any belief that contradicts experimental evidence as determined by the methods of science. All beliefs not in such contradiction may be considered as faith. Whether faith in a particular belief is beneficial or not is another matter.

I consider myself a spiritual atheist. I certainly believe there are forces bigger than ourselves, and that we should be searching, individually, for meaning in our lives. But I don't believe there's a supreme being, an intelligence that created everything.

What sense is there in continuing when one has seen the future?

-But rational thoughts lead only to rational thoughts, whereas irrational thoughts lead to new experiences.

I picked such seemingly disparate essays, I thought it was important to say what was the guiding principle in the selection rather than focus on any one essay. I reached for some principle that had been subconscious in me and lifted it into consciousness. Authenticity and sincerity were the most important unifying principles of all these apparently different essays.

For my students who are trying to learn the craft of writing in a writing class - contemporary literature is what's most useful.