Charm was the luxury of those who still believed in the essential rightness of things. In purity and picket fences.

There's something ugly about the flawless.

Narrative becomes the way you make sense of chaos. That's how you focus the world. It's the only reason you should ever try this writing job.

In Greek tragedy, they fall from great heights. In noir, they fall from the curb.

Happiness comes in moments, & then it's gone until the next time. Could be years. But sadness settles it.

It's hard to close the door on optimistic expectations when you love someone.

There are so many more important things to worry about than how you're perceived by strangers.

The foundation of your life is luck. Hard work and talent make up the difference.

There are threads in our lives. You pull one, and everything else gets affected.

Chuck said, “Hey. How many surrealists does it take to screw in a lightbulb?” Cawley looked over at him. “I’ll bite. How many?” “Fish,” Chuck said and let loose a bright bark of a laugh.

What molds us is what maims us.

Like all dreamers I confuse disenchantment with truth.

Delegating your accountabilities is abdication

Authentic acts of goodness set you free

Blood of the world, time staunchless flows; The wound is mortal and is mine.

You never forget the discovery years. First kisses. The first time you try certain foods.

I'd rather be a lightning rod than a seismograph.

Whatever doubts or vexations one has in Japan, it is only necessary to ask one's self: "Well, who are the best people to live with?

Are men truly such idiots that they cannot resist two orbs of flesh?

Men of high learning and abilities are few in every country; and by taking in those who are not so, the able part of the body have their hands tied by the unable.

Wherever men do things, other men will arise who will explain to them how things should be done.