If history is really relevant in today's world, the proposition doesn't command much respect. Perhaps the past is a different country, but if so no one much wants to travel there.

Growing up human is uniquely a matter of social relations rather than biology. What we learn from connections within the family takes the place of instincts that program the behavior of animals; which raises the question, how good are these connections?

those who despair of life are not long for it.

As long as mixed grills and combination salads are popular, anthologies will undoubtedly continue in favor.

We put up with a lot to be saved from chaos. We always have.

Love between women is seen as a paradigm of love between equals, and that is perhaps its greatest attraction.

I am not sure how many "sins" I would recognize in the world. Some would surely be defused by changed circumstances. But I can imagine none that is more irredeemably sinful than the betrayal, the exploitation, of the young by those who should care for them.