Then she opened her eyes, Veronika did not think 'this must be heaven'. Heaven would never use a fluorescent tube to light a room, and the pain - which started a fraction of a second later - was typical of the Earth. Ah, that Earth pain - unique, unmistakable.

Happiness is a matter of one's most ordinary everyday mode of consciousness being busy and lively and unconcerned with self. To be damned is for one's ordinary everyday mode of consciousness to be unremitting agonizing preoccupation with self.

Iris Murdoch

Paul Farmer has helped to build amazing health care system in one of the poorest areas of Haiti. He founded Partners in Health, which serves the destitute and the sick in many parts of the world from Haiti to Boston and from Russia to Peru.

Tracy Kidder

Observe constantly that all things take place by change, and accustom thyself to consider that the nature of the Universe loves nothing so much as to change the things which are, and to make new things like them.

Marcus Aurelius

Think? Why think! We have computers to do that for us.

Jean Rostand

Bridges are built not to cross over it but it is built to lift you to the other side safely.

Edwin Lawrence

I do remember actually learning chords to Beatles songs. I thought they were great songwriters.

Mick Taylor

A book is a version of the world. If you do not like it, ignore it; or offer your own version in return.

Salman Rushdie

In the literal sense, there has been no relevant evolution since the trek from Africa. But there has been substantial progress towards higher standards of rights, justice and freedom - along with all too many illustrations of how remote is the goal of a decent society.

Noam Chomsky

You who write, choose a subject suited to your abilities and think long and hard on what your powers are equal to and what they are unable to perform.

Horace

It is time to return to core values, time to get back to basics , to self-discipline and respect for the law, to consideration for the others, to accepting responsibility for yourself and your family - and not shuffling it off on other people and the state.

John Major

When the waves are round me breaking,As I pace the deck alone,And my eye in vain is seekingSome green leaf to rest upon;What would not I give to wanderWhere my old companions dwell?Absence makes the heart grow fonder,Isle of Beauty, fare thee well!

John Milton, Paradise Lost

If all else fails, immortality can always be assured by spectacular error.

John Kenneth Galbraith