I believe in optimism of the will, pessimism of the intellect. But my hope is the people, the society, which is ahead of the government.

Yeah, we should all line up along the Bosphorus Bridge and puff as hard as we can to shove this city in the direction of the West. If that doesn't work, we'll try the other way, see if we can veer to the East. It's no good to be in between. International politics does not appreciate ambiguity.

Isn't connecting people to distant lands and culture one of the strengths of good literature?

Article Five: If you have no reason or ability to accomplish anything, then just practice the art of becoming.

Love exists within each of us from the moment we are born and waits to be discovered from then on.

Whatever happens in your life, no matter how troubling things might seem, do not enter the neighborhood of despair. Even when all doors remain closed, God will open up a new path only for you. Be thankful!

I see what you mean. It must be a huge relief, and an easy way out, to think the devil is always outside of us. (…) we would stop looking for Sheitan outside and instead focus on ourselves. What we need is sincere self-examination. Not being on the watch for the faults of others.” (p. 257).