For atheism and polytheism there is no special problem of suffering, nor need there be for every kind of monotheism.

It does not follow that the meaning must be given from above; that life and suffering must come neatly labeled; that nothing is worth while if the world is not governed by a purpose.

Man stands alone in the universe, responsible for his condition, likely to remain in a lowly state, but free to reach above the stars.

Writing is thinking in slow motion.

Reason may not always tell us what to believe, but it can help us on what we shouldn't believe.

The great artist is the man who most obviously succeeds in turning his pains to advantage, in letting suffering deepen his understanding and sensibility, in growing through his pains.

Words signify man's refusal to accept the world as it is.

Those who believe in God because their experience of life and the facts of nature prove his existence must have led sheltered lives and closed their hearts to the voice of their brothers' blood.

To try to fashion something from suffering, to relish our triumphs, and to endure defeats without resentment: all that is compatible with the faith of a heretic.

Life ceases to be so oppressive: we are free to give our own lives meaning and purpose, free to redeem our suffering by making something of it.

The problem of suffering is: why is there the suffering we know?

She knew then that white was more than a color: It was a cold, pale shade of understanding that seems to take all of your hope away.

Desire filters toxins through my system at the sight and I lower again, shoving her against the padded wall to snake my tongue over the elixir of pain.

Why nowadays there's a new fashion every day.

Just as the science and art of agriculture depend upon chemistry and botany, so the art of education depends upon physiology and psychology.

Write regularly, whether you feel like writing or not, and whether you think what you're writing is any good or not.

Crisis precedes transformation.

I have never taken a photograph without one thought in my head to amuse myself.

War begets war. It produces outraged and humiliated and furious people. That is almost invariably the case.

Hopefully, I will emerge more shining. If I have that good fortune, if I am blessed in that way - and I do feel I am in the middle of the blessing - then I have faith my service will be greater.

It's the coward who says, 'This is fate'...It's the strong who stands up & says 'I will make my fate'