“May I inquire as to your motives?” “Why do you trouble to ask? You would believe nothing told you.” — Jack Vance

For many years my nerves were like electric wires. Then I discovered the first axiom of human accord: I accept each person on his own terms. I keep a close tongue in my head; I offer opinions only when so solicited. What a remarkable change! Dissension vanishes, novel facts emerge, digestion flows like a wide river.

The seconds marched past, traversing that mysterious boundary which separates future from past.

“What are you doing here?”

“I’m looking at you, and grateful for the opportunity.”