..That's where we humans make a mistake. We don't see the utterly amazing when it comes to us disguised as the ordinary.

There is one way to understand another culture. Living it. Move into it, ask to be tolerated as a guest, learn the language.

Confronted with people who have power, and who enjoy using it, I turn into a different person, a baser and meaner one.

We think there are limits to the dimensions of fear. Until we encounter the unknown. Then we can all feel boundless amounts of terror.

There is one way to understand another culture. Living it. Move into it, ask to be tolerated as a guest, learn the language. At some point understanding may come. It will always be wordless. The moment you grasp what is foreign, you will lose the urge to explain it. To explain a phenomenon is to distance yourself from it.

If you want to support others you have to stay upright yourself.

There's a look of mischief in his eyes. 'Smilla. Why is it that such an elegant and petite girl like you has such a rough voice.' I'm sorry,' I say, 'if I give you the impression that it is only my mouth that's rough. I do my best to be rough all over.