…I realized my happiness was artificial. I felt happy because I saw the others were happy and because I knew I should feel happy, but I wasn't really happy.

For her, reading was directly linked to pleasure, not to knowledge or enigmas or constructions or verbal labyrinths.

I decided to tell the truth even if it meant being pointed at.

The world is alive and no living thing has any remedy. That is our fortune.

Every hundred feet the world changes

That's a pretty story,' said Afanasievna as she let go of Ansky's genitals. 'A pity I'm too old and have seen to much to believe it.' It has nothing to do with belief,' said Ansky, 'it has to do with understanding, and then changing.

So everything lets us down, including curiosity and honesty and what we love best. Yes, said the voice, but cheer up, it's fun in the end.