“Everything I've ever done that's valuable is something I was afraid to try.”

“Everything I've ever done was out of fear of being mediocre.”

“Oh, and one more thing: if I try something that I've never done before, something that's particularly difficult for me, and it doesn't work out, that doesn't make it a failure. The fact that I actually succeeded in finishing it makes it a huge success. Think of all the people that never even try.”

“You said you were a victim. That's why...that's why ultimately, you and I aren't matched for each other. In spite of everything that's happened, I've never though of myself that way. Being a victim means you're powerless. That you won't take action. Always...always I've done something to fight for myself...for others. No matter what.”

“I can take everything on her face at face value, and that's valuable in a friend.”

“Everything I've ever done, in the writing world, has been to expand articulation, rather than to close it.”