"Each of us does in effect strike a series of 'deals' or compromises between the wants and longings of the inner self and an outer environment that offers certain possibilities and sets certain limitations."

"Blessed with riches and possibilities far beyond anything imagined by ancestors who tilled the unpredictable soil of medieval Europe, modern populations have nonetheless shown a remarkable capacity to feel that neither who they are nor what they have is quite enough."

"People die all the time. Life is a lot more fragile than we think. So you should treat others in a way that leaves no regrets. Fairly, and if possible, sincerely. It's too easy not to make the effort, then weep and wring your hands after the person dies."

"I elbow my way through the mass of people to get to my locker because there's something immensely satisfying about the toughest part of my arm connecting with the softest part of everyone else."

"I'm tired of playing worn-out depressing ladies in frayed bathrobes. I'm going to get a new hairdo and look terrific and go back to school and even if nobody notices I'm going to be the most self-fulfilled lady on the block."

"And there were times when I felt lost,but that did not stop me,for the further I went ,the more I collected myselfas I walked awayand the more I walked awaythe closer I got it to all,,,and in the end, I became the journey,and like all journeys,I did not end, I justchanged my directions."

"To be young and not to know how, is bearable; to be old and not have the strength, is too great a weight to carry. And what's is so painful you can't sense your powers leaving you. It's hard for an old man to ensure such blows!"