Every doctrine has a theory of the beginning.

To be a social success, do not act pathetic, arrogant, or bored. Do not discuss your unhappy childhood, your visit to the dentist,the shortcomings of your cleaning woman, the state of your bowels, or your spouse's bad habits. You will be thought a paragon (or perhaps a monster) of good behavior.

My mother's mild-eyed sadness looks at me from the eyes of those I love.

Guilt stirs me, but only to self-pity.

As an elder I mistrust the wisdom of age.

Perversity depends on reversal and substitution.

Expenditure now attracts fame as conquest once did.