Being a unique superpower undermines the military intelligence of strategy. To think strategically, one has to imagine oneself in the enemy's place. If one cannot do this, it is impossible to foresee, to take by surprise, to outflank. Misinterpreting an enemy can lead to defeat. This is how empires fall.

A line, an area of tone, is not really important because it records what you have seen, but because of what it will lead you on to see. Following up its logic in order to check its accuracy, you find confirmation or denial in the object itself or in your memory of it.

The past grows gradually around one, like a placenta for dying.

Perspective is not a science but a hope.

Loss and possession, death and life are one, There falls no shadow where there shines no sun.

Because values change, legislatures abolish the death penalty, permit same-sex marriage if they want, abolish laws against homosexual conduct. That's how the change in a society occurs. Society doesn't change through a Constitution.

The thing is, I love a great death scene - no good actor doesn't. Sorry, any actor, I should say.

I'm trying to knock the medical profession into accepting its responsibilities, and those responsibilities include assisting their patients with death.