He was born a politician. No, Ursula thought, he was born a baby, like everyone else. And this is what he has chosen to become.

I spent four years doing a doctorate in postmodern American literature. I can recognize it when I see it.

Ethics are not necessarily to do with being law-abiding. I am very interested in the moral path, doing the right thing.

Become such as you are, having learned what that is.

Why is everything an 'adventure' with you?" Sylvie said irritably to Izzie." "Because life is an adventure, of course." "I would say it was more of an endurance race," Sylvie said. "Or an obstacle course.

I was on the verge of something numinous and profound and in one more second the universe was going to crack open and arcana would rain down on my head like grace and all the cosmic mysteries were going to be revealed.

(although anyone with half a brain must surely be mired in existential gloom all the time)