One cannot be humble and aware of oneself at the same time.

There is little character or loveliness in the face of someone who has shunned risk, avoided suffering and rejected life

Dare I? Of course I don't. But I'm going to anyhow because I have no choice.

In the final exam in the Chaucer course we were asked why he used certain verbal devices, certain adjectives, why he had certain characters behave in certain ways. And I wrote, 'I don't think Chaucer had any idea why he did any of these things. That isn't the way people write.' I believe this as strongly now as I did then. Most of what is best in writing isn't done deliberately.

I do not know everything; still many things I understand.

Vitam impendere vero. To stake one's life for the truth.

I share Einstein's affirmation that anyone who is not lost in rapturous awe at the power and glory of the mind behind the universe "is as good as a burnt out candle."