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

A Jewish man with his parents alive is half the time a helpless infant!

American society [...] not only sanctions gross and unfair relations among men, but it encourages them. Now, can that be denied? No. Rivalry, competition, envy, jealousy, all that is malignant in human character is nourished by the system. Possession, money, property--on such corrupt standards as these do you people measure happiness and success.

There’s no remaking reality... Just take it as it comes. Hold your ground and take it as it comes. There’s no other way.

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.

The signore...wishes her to begin at the beginning.

Let's hope the first comes first.