"Influence" is itself influenced, coming from an Italian word for the outbreak of a disease (influenza, outbreak). Influence is that which flows across - permeates - the boundaries of the self.

Wherever something is "pinned down" there's a little hole - at least one - more likely many.

Given our examination of the behavior of our police forces at this moment the question of protection has an extra resonance, yes?

If we take seriously the idea that the stories we want to hear shape the stories we can (and want to, and are allowed to) tell, then the canon emerges as something to examine very carefully.

It is worth asking who decides what's an "obsession" and where it differs from meditation or the kind of deep dwelling on a subject we see in philosophy or the work of Robert Wilson, for instance?

Admitting how ill we are, how deep the damage goes, how constantly the abuse cycle is repeated and how horribly we have failed those who most deserve our care and protection.

Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley (whose mother died ten days after she was born) wrote a novel that anticipates Semmelweis's discovery and serves as a parable for the destructive power of decaying matter.

I'm interested in finding new and more humane modes of safety, and in exposing the arbitrary and superficial protections that have failed us.

One might say that "Torch Song" is, in part, about the urgency of the effort to pin things down and what wild dart throwing that desire leads to.

Something amazing happens when you're in love and don't give a damn about what day it is anymore.

First it was "The Silent Generation", then "Generation Boomers", then "Generation X", then "Generation Y" and as last "Generation Z".

I still do not understand why some people think they mean nothing to anyone

Sometimes it's interesting to see what people who have too much control need to do to write freely.

The heart of marriage is memories; and if the two of you happen to have the same ones and can savor your reruns, then your marriage is a gift from the gods.

The real index of civilization is when people are kinder than they need to be.

I'm 21 years old and I think that I've got a lot of perspective in life.

England produces under favorable conditions of ease and culture the finest women in the world. And, as the men are affectionate and true-hearted, the women inspire and refine them.

In terms of soul work, we dare not get rid of the pain before we have learned what it has to teach us.

Perhaps it's worth saying again: One reader's discomfort should never stand in the way of another reader's survival.