Iโve had that kind of experience myself: Iโm looking at a map and I see someplace that makes me think, โI absolutely have to go to this place, no matter whatโ. And most of the time, for some reason, the place is far away and hard to get to. I feel this overwhelming desire to know what kind of scenery the place has, or what people are doing there. Itโs like measles - you canโt show other people exactly where the passion comes from. Itโs curiosity in the purest sense. An inexplicable inspiration.
Haruki MurakamiWe knew exactly what we wanted in each other. And even so, it ended. One day it stopped, as if the film simply slipped off the reel.
Haruki MurakamiOne last word of advice, though, Mr. Okada, though you may not want to hear this. There are things in this world it is better not to know about. Of course, those are the very things that people most want to know about. It's strange.
Haruki MurakamiA poet might die at twenty-one, a revolutionary or a rock star at twenty four. But after that you assume everythingโs going to be all right. youโve made it past Dead Manโs Curve and youโre out of the tunnel, cruising straight for your destination down a six lane highway whether you want it or not.
Haruki MurakamiMost people are not looking for provable truths. As you said, truth is often accompanied by intense pain, and almost no one is looking for painful truths. What people need is beautiful, comforting stories that make them feel as if their lives have some meaning. Which is where religion comes from.
Haruki Murakami