Life is to be lived, not controlled; and humanity is won by continuing to play in face of certain defeat.

Ralph Ellison, Invisible Man

He who looks through an open window sees fewer things than he who looks through a closed window.

Charles Baudelaire

Of two quite lofty things, measure and moderation, it is best never to speak. A few know their force and significance, from the mysterious paths of inner experiences and conversions: they honor in them something quite godlike, and are afraid to speak aloud. All the rest hardly listen when they are spoken about, and think the subjects under discussion are tedium and mediocrity.

Friedrich Nietzsche

Deprived of the rhythm of savage song, the meaning of the animal yell, we exist for the mechanical screak of steel on steel . . . .
We must get back “in touch.

Sylvia Plath

From childhood's hour I have not been. As others were, I have not seen. As others saw, I could not awaken. My heart to joy at the same tone. And all I loved, I loved alone.

Edgar Allan Poe