Joy is the serious business of heaven.

The human heart is not unchanging (nay, changes almost out of recognition in the twinkling of an eye).

An obligation to feel can freeze feelings.

We are not merely imperfect creatures who must be improved; we are rebels who must lay down our arms.

The purpose of all opprobrious language is, not to describe, but to hurt - even when, like Hamlet, we make only the shadow-passes of a soliloquised combat. We call the enemy not what we think he is but what we think he would least like to be called.

This is my password," said the King as he drew his sword. "The light is dawning, the lie broken. Now guard thee, miscreant, for I am Tirian of Narnia.

The higher the stakes, the greater the temptation to lose your temper.