[Dona Maria] saw that the people of this world moved about in an armor of egotism, drunk with self-gazing, athirst for compliments, hearing little of what was said to them, unmoved by the accidents that befell their closest friends, in dread of all appeals that might interrupt their long communion with their own desires.
Thornton WilderWinning children (who appear so guileless) are children who have discovered how effective charm and modesty and a delicately calculated spontaneity are in winning what they want.
Thornton WilderIt is very necessary to have markers of beauty left in a world seemingly bent on making the most evil ugliness.
Thornton WilderThose who are silent, self-effacing and attentive become the recipients of confidences.
Thornton WilderThe planting of trees is the least self-centered of all that we can do. It is a purer act of faith than the procreation of children.
Thornton Wilder