You must work and should not be lazy if you want to be happy.

Think of all the beauty still left around you and be happy.

People who have a religion should be glad, for not everyone has the gift of believing in heavenly things.

Although I'm only fourteen, I know quite well what I want, I know who is right and who is wrong. I have my opinions, my own ideas and principles, and although it may sound pretty mad from an adolescent, I feel more of a person than a child, I feel quite indepedent of anyone.

I also have a brand-new prescription for gunfire jitters: When the shooting gets loud, proceed to the nearest wooden staircase. Run up and down a few times, making sure to stumble at least once. What with the scratches and the noise of running and falling, you won't even be able to hear the shooting, much less worry about it. Yours truly has put this magic formula to use, with great success!

Ordinary people don't know how much books can mean to someone who's cooped up.

I must uphold my ideals, for perhaps the time will come when I shall be able to carry them out.