If our sex life were determined by our first youthful experiments, most of the world would be doomed to celibacy. In no area of human experience are human beings more convinced that something better can be had only if they persevere.

Crime fiction confirms our belief, despite some evidence to the contrary, that we live in a rational, comprehensible, and moral universe.

It is always easy to question the judgement of others in matters of which we may be imperfectly informed.

Perfect love may cast our fear, but fear is remarkably potent in casting out love.

Feel, he told himself, feel, feel, feel. Even if what you feel is pain, only let yourself feel.

If from infancy you treat children as gods, they are liable in adulthood to act as devils.

The secret of contentment is never to allow yourself to want anything which reason tells you you haven't a chance of getting.