A John Updike is a once-in-a-generation phenomenon, if that generation is lucky: so comfortable in so many genres, the same lively, generous intelligence suffusing all he did.

What is needed, rather than running away or controlling or suppressing or any other resistance, is understanding fear; that means, watch it, learn about it, come directly into contact with it. We are to learn about fear, not how to escape from it.

Jiddu Krishnamurti

Society has always seemed to demand a little more from human beings than it will get in practice.

George Orwell

Bore, n. A person who talks when you wish him to listen.

Ambrose Bierce

And some to Meccah turn to pray, and I toward thy bed, Yasmin.

James Elroy Flecker

It doesn't make any sense... that's why I trust it!

Kate Winslet

The madness of depression is the antithesis of violence. It is a storm indeed, but a storm of murk. Soon evident are the slowed-down responses, near paralysis, psychic energy throttled back close to zero. Ultimately, the body is affected and feels sapped, drained.

William Styron

You make your own luck, Gig. You know what makes a good loser? Practice.

Ernest Hemingway

Just about this time, when in imagination I was so great a warrior, I had good use in real life for more strength, as I was no longer taken to school by the nurse, but instead had myself to protect my brother, two years my junior.

Georg Brandes

'The Taxi Ride,' from my second album, is one people want to hear a lot. I'm consciously trying to walk on the sunny side of the street, to really lift myself into a place of greater positivity, and that's a sad song.

Jane Siberry

In charity there is no excess.

Francis Bacon

Nobody goes there anymore. It's too crowded.

Yogi Berra

How I wish that somewhere there existed an island for those who are wise and of goodwill! In such a place even I would be an ardent patriot.

Kahlil Gibran