“Shame, however, was what I felt seeping through me as though it stained my white bones black.”

“They reminded me of the people of my village, their indomitable spirit in the face of disaster, their unshakable belief that no matter what might befall them, life was basically good and the world benign.”

“The painter had achieved what we would all like to do: capture time and make it stand still”

“...What does the blessing of heaven mean? We know the kirin is just an animal, not a mythical creature."It has become a symbol now.... That is the way human beings deal with the world.”

“It's what you do to yourself when you go mad with rage. You have no idea how much you can hurt yourself with your own strength.”

“I am not made for despair”

“I believe the test of government is the contentment of the people.”