And books, they offer one hope -- that a whole universe might open up from between the covers, and falling into that universe, one is saved.

Say what you will to the force that governs the universe. Perhaps we'll call it into being, and it will yet love us as we love it.

People who cease to believe in God or goodness altogether still believe in the devil. I don't know why. No, I do indeed know why. Evil is always possible. And goodness is eternally difficult.

Would that death were like this. Would that one would sleep and sleep and sleep forever.

And books, they offer one hope -- that a whole universe might open up from between the covers, and falling into that universe, one is saved.

an intoxication with forbidden knowledge in which the natural things become unimportant.

….it was a brave man’s fear. I knew what he meant. What must a brave general feel when he knows the battle has gone against him and nothing remains but death?