"There are some things that do not change. Where there are valuable goods, there will be thieves. Where there are thieves, there will be people who organize them—and take most of the profits."

“When all else fails, be willing to look like a fool. Maybe they will underestimate you later about something really important.”

“For a moment hope, bright and cruel as a knife, presented itself to me. It took every ounce of strength I had to turn away.”

“Somehow, you expect places you’ve left to freeze, like your memories of them have. It’s egotistical, but no one really wants to believe the world goes on without them.”

“This is what hope does to you when you’re not used to it. It is very like being drunk. You don’t realize how badly you’re impaired until you see the results of your spree.”

“Power looks startlingly similar wherever you go. Power does not want you to forget that you are small and alone.”

“He found me fascinating, in a wounded-bird kind of way. I found him wonderful, in a lifeline kind of way. It was mutual need that passed for love, and got married.”