Books, like people, can't be reduced to the cost of the materials with which they were made. Books, like people, become unique and precious once you get to know them.

How true is that necessity is the mother of invention, how very true.

A realization that the founding principle of existence is what we call love, which works itself out sometimes not clearly, not cleanly, not immediately, nonetheless ineluctably.

When you've suffered a great deal in life, each additional pain is both unbearable and trifling.

...if you fall into a lion's pit, the reason the lion will tear you to pieces is not because it's hungry-be assured, zoo animals are amply fed-or because it's bloodthirsty, but because you've invaded it's territory.

A work of art works because it is true, not because it is real.

You must take life the way it comes at you and make the best of it.