I guessed life was like that. You gained and you lost, and if you saved anything from the ruins, even if only a shred of self-respect, it was enough to take you through the next bit.

Good manners are a sign of strength.

The dignity of man was everywhere tissue-paper thin.

Let an idea swim to the surface like a fish in a pool...let the mind drift to the vision.

THE KNOWN CHILD I wondered to what extent people remained the same as they'd been when very young; if one peeled back the layers of living one would come to the known child.

Love's easy to learn. It's like taking a risk. You set your mind on it and refuse to be afraid, and in no time you feel terrifically exhilarated and all your inhibitions fly out of the window.

But one discarded dreams and got dressed, and made what one could of the day.