The central symbol for Canada-and this based on numerous instances of its occurrence in both English and French Canadian literature-is undoubtedly Survival, la Survivance.

The heart of Jesus glowed, because it was holy. Holy things glowed in general.

Better not to invent her in her absence. Better to wait until she's actually here. Then he can make her up as she goes along.

My good intentions are completely lethal.

Please don't make the mistake of thinking that 'Oryx and Crake' is anti-science. Science is a way of knowing, and a tool. Like all ways of knowing and tools, it can be turned to bad uses. And it can be bought and sold, and it often is. But it is not in itself bad. Like electricity, it's neutral.

If you disagree with your government, that's political. If you disagree with your government that is approaching theocracy, then you're evil.

Canadians are fond of a good disaster, especially if it has ice, water, or snow in it. You thought the national flag was about a leaf, didn't you? Look harder. It's where someone got axed in the snow.