Compassion brings us to a stop, and for a moment we rise above ourselves.
My neglected duties crowd around me in my dreams, murmuring.
The facts, even the real ones, must be imagined before they can be stated.
The self-righteous feel no need to be charming, and thus double their offensiveness.
Boredom and fear keep us working and obeying the laws.
Lack of reciprocity ruins friendships, but makes love affairs exciting for a time.