To put it another way, pain is God's megaphone to rouse a deaf world. Why must it be pain? Why can't he rouse us more gently, with violins or laughter? Because the dream from which we must be wakened, is the dream that all is well.

There is this notion that the lives of the comfortable-off middle class don't merit being treated seriously and with compassion.

Experience is a brutal teacher, but you learn fast.

We read to know we're not alone.

If you die, I'll die.' 'But is you live, I'll live.' - Bowman and Kestrel, Firesong

I am as I am. The world is as it is. Whether I am content with that has very little to do with it.

Why should I be honored? Don't I have enough attention, comfort and power already?