But privately when things got very bad I often looked into books to see whether I could find some helpful words, and one day I read, "The forgiveness of sins is perpetual and righteousness first is not required." This impressed me so deeply that I went around saying it to myself. But then I forgot which book it was.

Death is the dark backing a mirror needs if we are to see anything

When we ask for advice, we are usually looking for an accomplice.

It's not up to me ... to make the world consistent.

There are times when the most practical thing is to lie down.

Great pressure is brought to bear to make us undervalue ourselves. On the other hand, civilization teaches that each of us is an inestimable prize. There are, then, these two preparations: one for life and the other for death. Therefore we value and are ashamed to value ourselves.

It's usually the selfish people who are loved the most. They do what you deny yourself, and you love them for it. You give them your heart.