It is better to learn early of the inevitable depths, for then sorrow and death can take their proper place in life, and one is not afraid.

It is better not to say "lend." There is only giving.

Write a novel if you must, but think of money as an unlikely accident. Get your reward out of writing it, and try to be content with that.

Food for all is a necessity. Food should not be a merchandise, to be bought and sold as jewels are bought and sold by those who have the money to buy. Food is a human necessity, like water and air, it should be available.

The young do not know enough to be prudent, and therefore they attempt the impossible - and achieve it, generation after generation.

He saw on the paper a picture of a man, white-skinned, who hung upon a crosspiece of wood. The man was without clothes except for a bit about his loins, and to all appearences he was dead, since his head drooped upon his shoulder and his eyes were closed above his bearded lips. Wang Lung looked at the pictured man in horror and with increasing interest.

Exclusion is always dangerous. Inclusion is the only safety if we are to have a peaceful world.