The last clear definite function of man — muscles aching to work, minds aching to create beyond the single need — this is man.

But whereas a puppy will cringe away or roll on its back, groveling, a little boy may cover his shyness with nonchalance, with bravado, or with secrecy. And once a boy has suffered rejection, he will find rejection even where it does not exist-or, worse, will draw it forth from people simply by expecting it.

Act out being alive, like a play. And after a while, a long while, it will be true.

He said, "I am a man," and that meant certain things to Juana. It meant that he was half insane and half god.

A fallow field is a sin.

Intention, good or bad, is not enough.

There's more beauty in the truth even if it is dreadful beauty.