Why did becoming accustomed to something have to render its pleasures stale.

Words were power, words tried to change you, to shape bridges of longing that no one could ever really cross.

When I was 18 years old, in a more innocent time, my first backpacking trip through Europe, I sneaked into the Temple of Saturn in the Roman Forum after nightfall and spent several hours in there avoiding the guards patrolling.

Liu Fang is a truly gifted, world-famous player of the pipa and the guzheng, classical Chinese stringed instruments.

... everyone knew that all islands were worlds unto themselves, that to come to an island was to come to another world.

A hand fought best when it made a fist.

You have to be afraid for it to count as bravery.