... a less than perfect meddling in the spiritual world can breed monsters for other people.

We must live by the light of our own self-satisfaction, through that secret vital busy inwardness which is even more remarkable than our reason.

The most essential and fundamental aspect of culture is the study of literature, since this is an education in how to picture and understand human situations.

I see myself as Rhoda, not Mary Tyler Moore.

Of course reading and thinking are important but, my God, food is important too. How fortunate we are to be food-consuming animals. Each meal should be a treat and one ought to bless every day which brings with it a good digestion and the precious gift of hunger.

to be understood is not a human right. Even to understand oneself is not a human right.

There is no triumph of good, and if there were it would not be a triumph of good.