He didn’t really like travel, of course. He liked the idea of travel, and the memory of travel, but not travel itself.

Loving humanity means as much, and as little, as loving raindrops, or loving the Milky Way. You say that you love humanity? Are you sure you aren’t treating yourself to easy self-congratulation, seeking approval, making certain you’re on the right side?

The ways in which a book, once read, stays (and changes) in the reader's mind are unpredictable.

Perhaps the world progresses not by maturing, but by being in a permanent state of adolescence, of thrilled discovery.

What is history? Any thoughts, Webster?' 'History is the lies of the victors,' I replied, a little too quickly. 'Yes, I was rather afraid you'd say that. Well, as long as you remember that it is also the self-delusions of the defeated. ... 'Finn?' '"History is that certainty produced at the point where the imperfections of memory meet the inadequacies of documentation." (quoting Patrick Lagrange)

Love may not lead where we think or hope, but regardless of outcome it should be a call to seriousness and truth. If it is not that - if it is not moral in its effect - then love is no more than an exaggerated form of pleasure.

To be stupid, and selfish, and to have good health are the three requirements for happiness.