One cannot collect all the beautiful shells on the beach. One can collect only a few, and they are more beautiful if they are few.

I do not believe that sheer suffering teaches. If suffering alone taught, all the world would be wise, since everyone suffers. To suffering must be added mourning, understanding, patience, love, openness and the willingness to remain vulnerable.

For happiness one needs security, but joy can spring like a flower even from the cliffs of despair.

To be deeply in love is, of course, a great liberating force.

One learns first of all in beach living the art of shedding; how little one can get along with, not how much.

If one talks to more than four people, it is an audience; and one cannot really think or exchange thoughts with an audience.

The nicest gifts are those left, nameless and quiet, unburdened with love, or vanity, or the desire for attention.