I think empathy's a terrible danger for a writer.
We have a very foolish notion in Western countries that progress delivers freedom. But progress doesn't necessarily bring moral virtue.
The path to survival was to never give up on the small things.
Love is the scent of a sleeping back, death a slight draft of bad breath.
A good book ... leaves you wanting to reread the book. A great book compels you to reread your own soul.
Writing reminds you that you're never alone. Writing and reading is to be optimistic.