“Confirmations, corroborations rather than disillusionment. At eighteen I was as much of a philosopher as I ever will be.”

“Why I'm an artist, not a philosopher? Because I think in words rather than ideas.”

“I want to find a way of speaking to fellow human beings that will be cool rather than heated, philosophical rather than polemical, that will bring enlightenment rather than seeking to divide us into the righteous and the sinners, the saved and the damned, the sheep and the goats.”

“Philosophers should be offered condolences rather than encouragement.”

“I had this guy’s file pulled this morning, along with the rest of your neighbors. His name is Desperado.”Pause. A few seconds passed. He was waiting for my reaction.“Did you say Desperado?” I couldn’t stop the snort of laughter that bubbled to the surface. “Yeah,” the Director confirmed. “He changed his name when he turned eighteen. It was Melvin.”I was still laughing. “’Cause Desperado is so much better than Melvin.”

“Eighteen, and already you've been accused of murder, aided felons, and acquired a death count higher than most guardians will ever see. I couldn't be prouder.”