It has always been a happy thought to me that the creek runs on all night, new every minute, whether I wish it or know it or care, as a closed book on a shelf continues to whisper to itself its own inexhaustible tale. So many things have been shown so to me on these banks, so much light has illumined me by reflection here where the water comes down, that I can hardly believe that this grace never flags, that the pouring from ever-renewable sources is endless, impartial, and free.
Annie DillardCaring passionately about something isn't against nature, and it isn't against human nature. It's what we're here to do.
Annie DillardWe live half our waking lives and all of our sleeping lives in some private, useless, and insensible waters we never mention or recall.
Annie DillardWhenever there is stillness there is the still small voice, God's speaking from the whirlwind, nature's old song, and dance.
Annie DillardWhen I was six or seven years old, growing up in Pittsburgh, I used to take a precious penny of my own and hide it for someone else to find. I was greatly excited at the thought of the first lucky passerby who would receive a gift in this way, regardless of merit, a free gift from the universe. . . . I've been thinking about seeing. There are lots of things to see, unwrapped gifts and free surprises. The world is fairly studded and strewn with pennies cast broadside from a generous hand.
Annie Dillard