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Quote by Algis Valiunas

“Perhaps no theoretical man can be equal to such a burden: to feel knowledge as power when one’s mind reshapes the world irrevocably, to see the light of truth as the agent of some dark majesty, is not grace but ordeal.”

Quote by Algis Valiunas

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Algis Valiunas

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“[Father Aberforth]: “...Have you figured out what you’re going to do with this married man of yours?” ... “I’m not here to judge you, girl. You think you’re the first sheep to wander out of the fold because greener pastures beckon?” He reached for his tea. “At least you show some originality. Most priests who dabble in adultery go for the music director or one of the warden’s wives. The town’s chief of police—that’s novel. Not too bright, but novel.”

Moral DilemmaUnintended Humor
Book:All Mortal Flesh
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“You throw the lever or don’t, hit one person with the trolley or let five other innocents die, and maybe that’s murder, and maybe that’s something that’s going to stay on your conscience or stain your soul for all eternity. But someone put you there, alone and helpless, in front of the lever. Someone set you up, someone tied those people to the tracks.”

PhilosophyJusticeResponsibilityEthicsGuiltManipulationPowerlessnessMoral DilemmaMoral InjuryTrolley Problem
Book:There Is No Antimemetics Division
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“I spoke to this woman in the supermaket," Charlie barges in again, "and I said I was tired and finding it hard, and she said, 'Ah, you wouldn't change it thoug, would you?' and I had to of course say no. But I wanted to say yes. I wanted to say, 'Actually, Brenda, I would.' I want to go back sometimes. And I do, Noelle. I don't want to be Charlie of then." Charlie bursts into sobs.”

RomanceMotherhoodPostpartumKarenEight Perfect HoursPost Partum Depression
Book:Eight Perfect Hours
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“It's a misery peculiar to would-be writers. Your theme is good, as are your sentences. Your characters are so ruddy with life they practically need birth certificates. The plot you've mapped out for them is grand, simple and gripping. You've done your research, gathering the facts; historical, social, climatic culinary, that will give your story its feel of authenticity. The dialogue zips along, crackling with tension. The descriptions burst with color, contrast and telling detail. Really, your story can only be great. But it all adds up to nothing. In spite the obvious, shining promise of it, there comes a moment when you realize that the whisper that has been pestering you all along from the back of your mind is speaking the flat, awful truth: IT WON'T WORK. An element is missing, that spark that brings to life in a real story, regardless of whether the history or the food is right. Your story is emotionally dead, that's the crux of it. The discovery is something soul-destroying, I tell you. It leaves you with an aching hunger.”

Writing
Author:Yann Martel
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