A man can know his father, or his son, and there might still be nothing between them but loyalty and love and mutual incomprehension.

The great truth that is too often forgotten is that it is in the nature of people to do good to one another.

When things are taking their ordinary course, it is hard to remember what matters. There are so many things you would never think to tell anyone. And I believe they may be the things that mean most to you, and that even your own child would have to know in order to know you well at all.

I think hope is the worst thing in the world. I really do. It makes a fool of you while it lasts. And then when it's gone, it's like there's nothing left of you at all . . . except what you can't be rid of.

Nothing true can be said about God from a posture of defense.

Christianity is a life, not a doctrine . . . I'm not saying never doubt or question. The Lord gave you a mind so that you would make honest use of it. I'm saying you must be sure that the doubts and questions are your own.

Because, once alone, it is impossible to believe that one could ever have been otherwise. Loneliness is an absolute discovery.