“Even when you have been somewhat enlightened by what you have read, you are called upon to continue the serach for significance.”

“You have been called selfish for the courage of acting on your own judgement and bearing sole responsibility for your own life. You have been called arrogant for your independent mind. You have been called cruel for your unyielding integrity. You have been calle anti social for the vision that made you venture upon undiscovered roads.”

“I have been given a third chance at life, even if the circumstances are somewhat disconcerting. You are mine, and we both know it.”

“Do you often wonder,” she continued, desperately hoping her questions would win Vasily over, “what might have been had his gaze fallen upon some other miserable wretch? Yes, you would have been destitute, starving in the streets, scraping for your next meal…but even beggars are free.”

“It is what you read when you don't have to that determines what you will be when you can't help it.”

“You are not as insignificant as you have often been told, nor are you any more significant than you have often told yourself.”