When I was in seminary,” Father Edward had told other guests around the table when he was purchasing his books, “my spiritual director told me not to read theology. ‘Read novels,’ he said, and I have.

The weapon of suicide bombarding is edgy to the point that you aren’t left with the probability of delivering retribution or rebuffing anybody; the fear-based oppressor is executed alongside his unfortunate casualties, his blood blending in with theirs.

give a New York friend a panic attack, turn up unannounced on a Wednesday and suggest going for a drink. It is easier to organize five guys to raise a flag on Iwo Jima than to get mates out for movie and dinner. Surprise parties are such fun, but require e-mail “save the date” warnings. And everyone needs to know how to dress

What [Stokely Carmichael] is suggesting that frightens the American white people is that the Black people in this country are tied to subjugated people everywhere in the world.

I would suggest that the next generation stop looking for happiness outside of themselves but instead turn inward.

The thought of suicide is a great consolation: by means of it one gets through many a dark night.

There’s no reason to assume that my idea of what’s better would really be better. I resent it when other people try to inflict their ideas of betterness on me. I don’t think they know. And I can’t see any authority on the horizon that’s got any answers that seem worthwhile. Most of the things that are suggested are probably detrimental to your mental health

By what aberration has suicide, the only truly normal action, become the attribute of the flawed?

A distant enemy is always preferable to one at the gate.

If you have any helpful suggestions I’d be pleased to hear them. If all you can do is make snide insinuations then it would probably benefit all concerned if you bestowed the fruits of your prodigious wit on someone with the spare time to give them the consideration they doubtless deserve.

He who criticizes, be he ever so honest, must suggest a practical remedy or he soon descends from the height of a critic to the level of a common scold.

I’ve found out since that such people don’t know what they’re doing, and get insulted when you make some suggestion or criticism.