One is more delightful for being told one is delightful - just as one is more angry for being told one is angry. Sometimes I think we Americans are the loneliest people in the world. To be sure, we hunger for the power of affection, the self-acceptance that gives life. It is the oldest and strongest hunger in the world. But hungering is not enough.
Sanity is a madness put to good uses.
There would never be a moment, in war or in peace, when I wouldn't trade all the patriots in the country for one tolerant man. Or when I wouldn't swap the vitamins in a child's lunchbox for a jelly glass of magnanimity. With history being made all the time, every day now seems to be the first anniversary of something awful. Marriage is a great institution, but I'm not ready for an institution, yet. Friendship is honey - but don't eat it all.