“Someday you will look back on all the awful stuff that's happening to you, and fondly smile. Doesn't say much about the future, does it?”

“That's the thing about a great book. Every time you read it, it's different, because you're different. You've changed since the last time you picked it up, things have happened to you.”

“Why would you sacrifice today’s freedom for a future that will always remain uncertain, no matter how carefully you plan for it?”

“What does not kill you will make you stronger and more cynical.”

“These days when we speak of politics at all it is with indifference, anger, or "Please, could we talk about something that doesn't make us nauseous?" But there was a time when we could discuss government with hope, pride, and trust in our leaders, and that was when Corazon Aquino was president.”

“If you are honest with yourself, your life will be so much more pleasant.”

“Being good does make a difference. You will not receive praise or payment for it, and other people will mistake your goodness for weakness, but it resonates among people you won't even meet.”