I think it's only in a crisis that Americans see other people. It has to be an American crisis, of read more

I think it's only in a crisis that Americans see other people. It has to be an American crisis, of course. If two countries fight that do not supply the Americans with some precious commodity, then the education of the public does not take place. But when the dictator falls, when the oil is threatened, then you turn on the television and they tell you where the country is, what the language is, how to pronounce the names of the leaders, what the religion is all about, and maybe you can cut out recipes in the newspaper of Persian dishes.

It is easier to discover a deficiency in individuals, in states, and in Providence, than to see their real import read more

It is easier to discover a deficiency in individuals, in states, and in Providence, than to see their real import and value.

Death does determine life. Once life is finished it acquires a sense; up to that point it has not got read more

Death does determine life. Once life is finished it acquires a sense; up to that point it has not got a sense; its sense is suspended and therefore ambiguous. However, to be sincere I must add that for me death is important only if it is not justified and rationalized by reason. For me death is the maximum of epicness and death.

Something of vengeance I had tasted for the first time; as aromatic wine it seemed, on swallowing, warm and racy: read more

Something of vengeance I had tasted for the first time; as aromatic wine it seemed, on swallowing, warm and racy: its after-flavor, metallic and corroding, gave me a sensation as if I had been poisoned.

We often pretend to fear what we really despise, and more often despise what we really fear.

We often pretend to fear what we really despise, and more often despise what we really fear.

Fear is met and destroyed with courage.

Fear is met and destroyed with courage.

I don't know, I don't care, and it doesn't make any difference!.

I don't know, I don't care, and it doesn't make any difference!.

Grab the broom of anger and drive off the beast of fear.

Grab the broom of anger and drive off the beast of fear.

If you pray for rain, don't be surprised if you're struck by lightning.

If you pray for rain, don't be surprised if you're struck by lightning.