“What would a narrative of happiness be like? All that can be described is what prepares it, and then what destroys it.”

“How often is happiness destroyed by preparation, foolish preparation!”

“For the most profound experiences in our lives and in the world words are worth nothing. Can you describe love Or death Can you describe what it really feels like the first time you see your child Or the first time your heart gets broken You can try...but it won't come close to describing what it really was or what it really felt like.”

“Everything is a tale, Martin. What we believe, what we know, what we remember, even what we dream. Everything is a story, a narrative, a sequence of events with characters communicating an emotional content. We only accept as true what can be narrated.”

“What pen can describe this scene of marvellous horror; what pencil can portray it?”

“Why not seize the pleasure at once? -- How often is happiness destroyed by preparation, foolish preparation!”