Literature isn't a moral beauty contest. Its power arises from the authority and audacity with which the impersonation is pulled off; the belief it inspires is what counts.

I was a biography in constant motion, memory to the marrow of my bones.

Oh, to be a center fielder, a center fielder- and nothing more

You be greater than your feelings. I don't demand this of you - life does. Otherwise you'll be washed away by feelings. You'll be washed out to sea and never seen again.

--nor had I understood til then how the shameless vanity of utter fools can so strongly determine the fate of others

Just like those who are incurably ill, the aged know everything about their dying except exactly when.

Maybe the best thing would be to forget being right or wrong about people and just go along for the ride. But if you can do that -- well, lucky you.