The work of human thought should withstand the test of brutal, naked reality. If it cannot, it is worthless. Probably only those things are worthwhil… - Czesław Miłosz

Probably only those things are worth while which can preserve their validity in the eyes of a man threatened with instant death.

إنني أعاني مثل اسفنجة تعجز عن الامتلاء بالماء، مثل نهراً يعاني لأن انعكاسات الغيوم والشجر : ليست بغيمٍ ولا شجـر .

Vulgarized knowledge characteristically gives birth to a feeling that everything is understandable and explained. It is like a system of bridges built over chasms. One can travel boldly ahead over these bridges, ignoring the chasms. It is forbidden to look down into them; but that, alas, does not alter the fact that they exist.

The purpose of poetry is to remind us
how difficult it is to remain just one person,
for our house is open, there are no keys in the doors,
and invisible guests come in and out at will.