Once one is beyond a certain level of commitment to the sport, life begins to seem an allegory of rowing rather than rowing an allegory of life.

I climbed on the rowing ergometer, and started to pull - losing myself in the rhythm of sweat and pain.

That morning each of us found a breaking point. Not only a physical barrier, but a point where determination, stamina and duty clashed and were overcome not so much by pain but by absurdity.

Being in shape was not my goal. My body was a tool to test the capabilities of my will.

The ergometer simulates the physical demands of rowing, packaging the pains with none of the amenities that make it worthwhile.

Those of us who stayed were younger, more tractable. Less sure of ourselves socially and intellectually, we gave ourselves to the sport with little idea of what we could give or receive.

The greatest tragedy is not death but a life without love

If the Romans had been obliged to learn Latin, they would never have found the time to conquer the world.

Percy hefted a bronze grenade. ‘I hope you labelled these right.’ He yelled, ‘Die, Romans!’ and lobbed the grenade over the wall.

I know virtually no one of my age who can remember a hug, or a smile from their father, or a 'Let's go play football.'

The electrical matter consists of particles extremely subtile, since it can permeate common matter, even the densest metals, with such ease and freedom as not to receive any perceptible resistance.

Forgiveness is discovering that what you thought happened, didn’t.

When our wagon gets stuck in the mud, God is much more likely to assist the man who gets out to push than the man who merely raises his voice in prayer—no matter how eloquent the oration.

You don't have the potential to create, you are always creating.

I don't have any ambition.

I am very, very tuned into people. If something's wrong, I can sense it from the moment they walk in the studio.