The truth that many people never understand, until it is too late, is that the more you try to avoid suffering the more you suffer because smaller and more insignificant things begin to torture you in proportion to your fear of being hurt. — American writer and poet Thomas Merton

“I’m never going to be famous. My name will never be writ large on the roster of Those Who Do Things. I don’t do any thing. Not one single thing. I used to bite my nails, but I don’t even do that any more”. — Dorothy Parker, Here Lies (1939), “The Little Hours”.

After ages during which the earth produced harmless trilobites and butterflies, evolution progressed to the point at which it has generated Neros, Genghis Khans, and Hitlers. This, however, I believe is a passing nightmare; in time the earth will become again incapable of supporting life, and peace will return. — some sombre thoughts about world peace expressed by philosopher Bertrand Russell.

When you judge other people remember one overriding axiom: Everyone is having a hard time. Everyone is insecure. Everyone is hassled. Everyone is tired — we all need more sleep. Everyone wishes he had more courage, more money and better social skills. Everyone wants more glamour in his life, and we all desperately need more laughter. Few can figure out how they ended up living the life they lead. Don’t be misled by flippant talk; it’s a battle for everyone . . . Give people a break. It’s not easy doing a life.” — Joshua Halberstam in Everyday Ethics.