Who could believe in the prophecies ... that the world would end this summer, while one milkweed with faith matured its seeds.

By a conscious effort of the mind we can stand aloof from actions and their consequences; and all things, good and bad, go by us like a torrent.

Decay and disease are often beautiful, like the pearly tear of the shellfish and the hectic glow of consumption.

Death is beautiful when seen to be a law, and not an accident. It is as common as life.

Some creatures are made to see in the dark.

When our life ceases to be inward and private, conversation degenerates into mere gossip.

If the day and night are such that you greet them with joy, and life emits a fragrance like flowers and sweet-scented herbs, is more elastic, more starry, more immortal - that is your success.