“They were an elite, living at the center of the world's greatest power, and one of their most cherished privileges was the cultivation of the life of the mind.”

“One of the key characteristics of an elite corps is its susceptibility to those more powerful than itself. Elite power is naturally attracted to a power hierarchy and fits itself neatly, obediently into the one that promises the most personal benefits. Here is the Achilles’ heel of armies, police and bureaucracies.”

“The most powerful force in a woman's life is the need to be appreciated, loved and cherished for what she is.”

“[...]one should act as if the things he cherished the most were already lost or broken.”

“One of the greatest advantages of the totalitarian elites of the twenties and thirties was to turn any statement of fact into a question of motive.”

“In order to lead a meaningful life, you need to cherish others, pay attention to human values and try to cultivate inner peace.”