I am the planet's most affectionate life-form, something like the cross between a golden retriever and a barnacle.

The great Sufi poet and philosopher Rumi once advised his students to write down the three things they most wanted in life. If any item on the list clashes with any other item, Rumi warned, you are destined for unhappiness.

I don't think you can say that feminism has made women critical of marriage because women have been critical of marriage for centuries.

Nothing in the last few years has dazzled me more than Hilary Mantel's 'Wolf Hall,' which blew the top of my head straight off. I've read it three times, and I'm still trying to figure out how she put that magnificent thing together.

Where did you get the idea you aren't allowed to petition the universe with prayer? You are part of this universe, Liz. You're a constituent--you have every entitlement to participate in the actions of the universe, and to let your feelings be known. So, put your opinion out there. Make your case. Believe me--it will at least be taken into consideration.

Being content with what you have already is an art form that leads to a peace that can’t be replaced by anything else.

But never again use another person's body or emotions as a scratching post for your own unfulfilling yearnings.