Pain is a gift. Humanity, without pain, would know neither fear nor pity. Without fear, there could be no humility, and every man would be a monster. The recognition of pain and fear in others give rise in us to pity, and in our pity is our humanity, our redemption.

Loneliness comes in two basic varieties. When it results from a desire for solitude, loneliness is a door we close against the world. When the world instead re…

: less real than such threats as a man with a gun, a woman with a knife, or a U.S. Senator with an idea.

'Sometimes,' I said, 'it seems to me that a friend might not take such pleasure in making fun of me as you do.' 'Dear Odd! If one's friends do not openly laugh…

Of all the Griefs that harrass the Distrest, Sure the most bitter is a scornful Jest

'To make that long, last donkey-ride between the pikeman and the stake, to hear the shouting and the chant of hypocrites, to be a spectacle for animals in huma…

It is impossible not to notice that our world is tormented by failure, hate, guilt, and fear.