I used to think of my body as an instrument, of pleasure, or a means of transportation, or an implement for the accomplishment of my will.

I have long since decided if you wait for the perfect time to write, you'll never write. There is no time that isn't flawed somehow.

We understand more than we know.

Our generation in the west was lucky: we had readymade gateways. We had books, paper, teachers, schools and libraries. But many in the world lack these luxuries. How do you practice without such tryout venues?

Of course (said Oryx), having a money value was no substitute for love. Every child should have love, every person should have it. . . . but love was undependable, it came and then it went, so it was good to have a money value, because then at least those who wanted to make a profit from you would make sure you were fed enough and not damaged too much. Also there were many who had neither love nor a money value, and having one of these things was better than having nothing.

What am I living for and what am I dying for are the same question.

Come away with me, he said, we will live on a desert island. I said, I am a desert island. It was not what he had in mind.