a problem that presents itself as a dilemma carries an unfortunate prescription: to argue instead of act.

Though we do not have many poets, we certainly have more than we deserve, for we deserve none at all. It is ourselves that we are hurting by our stupidity and ignorance of poetry.

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.

Powerful people get away with things. That's one way to demonstrate their difference from the rest of us.

reaction isn't action - that is, it isn't truly creative.

Humor is an antidote to isolation.

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.