No matter how long a log stays in the water, it doesn't become a crocodile.

The pre-Socratic Greek philosopher Parmenides taught that the only things that are real are things which never change... and the pre-Socratic Greek philosopher Heraclitus taught that everything changes. If you superimpose their two views, you get this result: Nothing is real.

For each person there is a sentence—a series of words—which has the power to destroy them.

We have entered a Moment when we are alone. We cannot get assistance, as before. Well, Mr. Tagomi thought, perhaps that too is good. Or can be made good. One must still try to find the Way.

Just because something bears the aspect of the inevitable one should not, therefore, go along willingly with it.

Basically, Sherri's idea had to do with bringing Fat's mind down from the cosmic and the abstract to the particular. She had hatched out the practical notion that nothing is more real than a large World War Two Soviet tank.

Sometimes one must try anything, it is no disgrace. On the contrary, it is a sign of wisdom.