Such is the universal desire for fame that those who achieve it accidentally or unwillingly will wait in vain for pity. - Robert Galbraith

Humans often assumed symmetry and equality where none existed.

Strike had not been able to guard against warm feelings for Robin, who had stuck by him when he was at his lowest ebb and helped him turn his fortunes around; nor, having normal eyesight, could he escape the fact that she was a very good-looking woman.

Other people his age had houses and washing machines, cars and television sets, furniture and gardens and mountain bikes and lawnmowers: he had four boxes of crap, and a set of matchless memories.