“The faster you strip cultures down, the more you find contrariness and disputation, rather than a solid core, until eventually you reach the individual, a mammal shaped by evolution, material needs, cognitive biases and historical circumstances no doubt, but still a creature with a better right to state his opinions than kings and clerics have to silence them.”

“If you get down about the state of American culture, just remember there are still more public libraries in this country than there are McDonalds.”

“Though in single life your joys may not be very many, your sorrows, at least will not be more than you can bear. Marriage may change your circumstances for the better, but in my private opinion, it is far more likely to produce a contrary result”

“Strip back the beliefs pasted on by governesses, schools, and states, you find indelible truths at one's core.”

“You know something? There are sandstorms that strip man and horse and bury them — I've seen them. I saw bones piled higher than my head for the folly of a bad king and those who wanted his throne. I lived through a blizzard that froze every other living creature solid. Against those things, you're only a man. I can deal with you.”

“If silence were your only friend, know that the universe understands you. If solitude is your only company, know that loneliness has left you. Should fame and wealth find you -know that it is much better than your finding them. For you shall still have silence as your best friend.”