“Skepticism is the chastity of the intellect, and it is shameful to surrender it too soon or to the first comer: there is nobility in preserving it coolly and proudly through long youth, until at last, in the ripeness of instinct and discretion, it can be safely exchanged for fidelity and happiness.”

“Skepticism, like chastity, should not be relinquished too readily.”

“Few men speak humbly of humility, chastely of chastity, skeptically of skepticism.”

“Happiness is the free play of the instincts, and so is youth.”

“French troops arrived in Afghanistan last week, and not a minute too soon. The French are acting as advisers to the Taliban, to teach them how to surrender properly.”

“Sometimes I think I won't ever feel safe until I can count my last days on one hand. Three more days to get through until I don't have to worry about life anymore.”

“If youth is a defect, it is one that we outgrow too soon.”

“Happiness is like the first blissful intoxication of morphine.
It doesn't last very long.”

“If people try to judge you or shame you for doing safe, consensual things that make you happy, I can guarantee you they're bad people.”

“My father used to say that we surrendered our youth to purchase wisdom. What he never told me was how badly we get cheated on the exchange rate!”