Every book has an intrinsic impossibility, which its writer discovers as soon as his first excitement dwindles.
Annie DillardIt is difficult to undo our own damage, and to recall to our presence that which we have asked to leave. It is hard to desecrate a grove and change your mind. The very holy mountains are keeping mum. We doused the burning bush and cannot rekindle it; we are lighting matches in vain under every green tree.
Annie DillardHe is careful of what he reads, for that is what he will write. He is careful of what he learns, for that is what he will know.
Annie DillardI alternate between thinking of the planet as home - dear and familiar stone hearth and garden - and as a hard land of exile in which we are all sojourners.
Annie Dillard