Sometimes when you push someone, you find out who that person really is.

I think men should be able to veto women's abortions if they're willing to care for the child after it's born.

Deep down, everyone wants the truth.

...the horrific fact that our lives and those of the people we love are impermanent and exquisitely fragile, that any of us can cease to exist without warning, that loving anyone, anywhere, at any time, leaves you infinitely vulnerable at every single moment. (20)

When people can do something simple to avoid conflict--say, hit a button or unlock a latch--they'll generally do it.

We are, all of us, crippled and twisted. Most of us strive desperately to keep our grotesqueries out of sight and mind. Our suffering is transformed by an alchemy of the soul into addiction, ulcers, strokes, hatred, even war.

...Some people hurt so much they can't take what they need, even when someone wants to give it to them. (106)