“Revolution is a trivial shift in the emphasis of suffering. ”

“Happiness is equilibrium. Shift your weight.”

“Fifty-five crystal spheres geared to God’s crankshaft is my idea of a satisfying universe. I can’t think of anything more trivial than quarks, quasars, big bangs, and black holes.”

“Now for a handful of guilders I happen to have a private and uncut performance of the rape of the Sabine Women - or rather woman, or rather Alfred -Get your skirt on Alfred!”

“Words are sacred. They deserve respect. If you get the right ones, in the right order, you can nudge the world a little.”

“Septimus. When we have found all the mysteries and lost all the meaning, we will be all alone, on an empty shore.Thomasina. Then we will dance. Is this a waltz?”

“You don't mind? Life is in the minding.”