Or is this how humans survive, shrugging off history, immersing themselves in the moment?

I saw something I hadn't realized before: words wasted energy. I would use my strength instead to nurture my belief that my life would unfurl uniquely.

Your childhood hunger is the one that never leaves you.

Everyone breathes in air, but it's a wise person who knows when to use that air to speak and when to exhale in silence.

A problem becomes a problem only if you believe it to be so. And often others see you as you see yourself.

After the fire, when I'd tried to express my gratitude for their kindness to our customers, they'd been awkward, uncomfortable. My father had had to explain to me that giving thanks is not a common practice in India. 'Then how do you know if people appreciated what you did?' I'd asked. 'Do you really need to know?' my father had asked back.

In life, it's best not to take anything for free - unless it's from someone who wishes you well.