There are no spare unrecorded encapsulated moments in which we can behave 'anyhow' and then expect to resume life where we left off. - Iris Murdoch

He felt neither guilt nor distress at the pleasure with which he was now filled by the proximity of this young creature, and when he discovered in himself even physical symptoms of his inclination he did not take fright, but continued cheerfully and serenely to see Nick whenever the ordinary run of his duties suggested it, congratulating himself upon the newly achieved solidity and rational calm of his spiritual life.

Art is the final cunning of the human soul which would rather do anything than face the gods.

What greater torment than to see that light, and then to see it eternally withdrawn?