to know how to read is to light a lamp in the mind, to release the soul from prison, to open a gate to the universe." from Pavilion of Women page 292

The mind that doggedly insists on prejudice often has not intelligence enough to change.

If you start to revise before you've reached the end, you're likely to begin dawdling with the revisions and putting off the difficult task of writing.

It is worse than folly... not to recognize the truth, for in it lies the tinder for tomorrow.

Most mothers kiss and scold together.

As for inhibitions, I've spent a lifetime developing them, and I don't intend to lose them.

To understand what happens now one must find the cause, which may be very long ago in its beginning, but is surely there, and therefore a knowledge of history as detailed as possible is essential if we are to comprehend the present and be prepared for the future.