The good guys had to operate on a higher level than the killers--just for society to keep track of who was who.

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.

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

What was it about not knowing a person that allowed you to wonder whether she might be the answer to all your problems?

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

For a psychiatrist to be any good, he has to be willing to corner you, close off the easy exits, even when it hurts. It's supposed to. (46)

The irrational thoughts were the ones with the power to burn holes in your gut.