Wisdom begins when you discover the difference between "That doesn't make sense" and "I don't understand.
Mary Doria RussellEach generation of adolescents has at least two historical events that color its responses to whatever happens next.
Mary Doria RussellHouse-training, I must tell you, is a formality that can elude young dachshunds for some time; this is particularly true in climates that affront their sensibilities with outrageous meteorological insults. Rain, for example, or a startling gust of wind.
Mary Doria RussellI do what I do without hope of reward or fear of punishment. I do not require Heaven or Hell to bribe or scare me into acting decently.
Mary Doria RussellThe characters Im most emotionally involved with are like friends you leave behind when you move away. You dont see them regularly anymore, but you still love them and keep in touch.
Mary Doria RussellYou know what's the most terrifying thing about admitting that you're in love? You're just naked. You put yourself in harm's way and you lay down all your defences. No clothes, no weapons. Nowhere to hide, completely vulnerable. The only thing that makes it tolerable is to believe the other person loves you back and you can trust him not to hurt you.
Mary Doria Russell