Strange and mysterious things, though, aren't they - earthquakes? We take it for granted that the earth beneath our feet is solid and stationary. We even talk about people being 'down to earth' or having their feet firmly planted on the ground. But suddenly one day we see that it isn't true. The earth, the boulders, that are supposed to be solid, all of a sudden turn as mushy as liquid - From the short story "Thailand
Haruki MurakamiI began to draw an invisible boundary between myself and other people. No matter who I was dealing with. I maintained a set distance, carefully monitoring the personโs attitude so that they wouldnโt get any closer. I didnโt easily swallow what other people told me. My only passions were books and music
Haruki MurakamiIn long-distance running the only opponent you have to beat is yourself, the way you used to be.
Haruki MurakamiThings can be seen better in the darkness," he said, as if he had just seen into her mind. "But the longer you spend in the dark, the harder it becomes to return to the world aboveground where the light is
Haruki MurakamiWhatโs most important is what you canโt see but can feel in your heart. To be able to grasp something of value, sometimes you have to perform seemingly inefficient acts. But even activities that appear fruitless donโt necessarily end up so. Thatโs the feeling I have, as someone whoโs felt this, whoโs experienced it.
Haruki Murakami