It was reasonable to struggle, to suffer, perhaps even to die, for a more just, a more compassionate society, but not in a world with no future where, all to soon, the very words "justice," "compassion," "society," "struggle," "evil," would be unheard echoes on an empty air.

the unforgivable was usually the most easily forgiven.

There is no point in regretting any part of the past. The past can't now be altered, the future has yet to be lived, and consciously to experience every moment of the present is the only way to gain at least the illusion of immortality.

gossip ... was like any other commodity in the marketplace. You received it only if you had something of value to give.

Generosity is a virtue for individuals, not governments. When governments are generous it is with other people’s money, other people’s safety, other people’s future.

I knew the facts of death before I knew the facts of life. There never was a time when I didn't see the skull beneath the skin.

A nation that can't remember its dead will soon cease to be worth dying for.