You know what it’s like when you’re trying to fall asleep and it only makes you more wide awake?

Nothing so consumes a person as meaningless exertion

Don't feel sorry for yourself. Only arseholes do that.

I didn't start running because somebody asked me to become a runner. Just like I didn't become a novelist because someone asked me to. One day, out of the blue, I wanted to write a novel. And one day, out of the blue, I started to run-simply because I wanted to. I've always done whatever I felt like doing in life. People may try to stop me, and convince me I'm wrong, but I won't change.

Oshima's silent for a time as he gazes at the forest, eyes narrowed. Birds are flitting from one branch to the next. His hands are clasped behind his head. "I know how you feel," he finally says. "But this is something you have to work out on your own. Nobody can help you. That's what love's all about, Kafka. You're the one having those wonderful feelings, but you have to go it alone as you wander through the dark. Your mind and body have to bear it all. All by yourself.

It seemed to me that this world has a serious shortage of both logic and kindness.

Things may look different to you than they did before. I've had that experience myself. But don't let appearances fool you. There's only one reality.