Within a social structure, a familial structure, or a cultural structure of various kinds, there is a substitute for actual freedom. I mean, actual freedom is a very abstract notion; we have no idea what it means, except within a context - freedom to do what? So within these social structures, freedom becomes defined as power, your ability to make choices, and the power relationship within a family, any family.

The truth is always an insult or a joke, lies are generally tastier. We love them. The nature of lies is to please. Truth has no concern for anyone's comfort

My worst is all out in the open. It makes it necessary for people to tell you about themselves.

It is coincidence, I decide, and I am getting old and batty, thinking the universe revolves around me.

Asked why they wanted to fight, the young women said they enjoyed it, just as some men and boys do.

But the idea that women can't take care of themselves still permeates our culture.

Giving Papa time to think, as Arty put it, was like pumping random rounds into a fireworks factory. The odds favored dramatic results.