But who knows their own child? You know bits - certain predictable reactions, a handful of familiar qualities. The rest is impenetrable. And quite right too. You give birth to them. You do not design them.

But who knows their own child? You know bits - certain predictable reactions, a handful of familiar qualities. The rest is impenetrable. And quite right too. You give birth to them. You do not design them.

Giving presents is one of the most possessive things we do, did you realize that? It's the way we keep a hold on other people. Plant ourselves in their lives.

Getting to know someone else involves curiosity about where they have come from, who they are.

Language tethers us to the world; without it we spin like atoms.

Unless I am a part of everything I am nothing.

I didn't think I had anything particular to say, but I thought I might have something to say to children.