“ People need hard times and oppression to develop psychic muscles.”

“In the long run, we shape our lives, and we shape ourselves. The process never ends until we die. And the choices we make are ultimately our own responsibility.”

“Courage starts with showing up and letting ourselves be seen.”

“Literature is the most agreeable way of ignoring life.”

“One ought, every day at least, to hear a little song, read a good poem, see a fine picture, and, if it were possible, to speak a few reasonable words.”

“All great truths are paradoxes. We are all both together and alone. Time is everything and nothing. Life is joyous and life is tragic.”