“The first human corpse I saw had housed my grandmother’s soul. I expected a serene mien. I expected to find her sleeping. I expected a transforming beauty, something painted by Millais. Instead, the old whore petticoats of skin.”
Source: The Eclipse: A Memoir of Suicide (2004), P. 19.
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Antonella Gambotto-Burke 18
Australian author and journalist 1965Related quotes
“I find my life is a lot easier the lower I keep my expectations.”

John Lane, long-time companion of the Villeneuves - Donaldson, pg. 319

“I had no expectations. I thought, “If I don’t make it, it’s my own fault.””
Source: On choosing to immigrate to the United States in “Anchee Min: 'If I had stayed in China, I would be dead'” https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/10116718/Anchee-Min-If-I-had-stayed-in-China-I-would-be-dead.html in The Telegraph (2013 Jul 4)
Context: In China I had to suffer and labour for the Communist Party – here I was given the opportunity to suffer and labour for myself and to build my own life. I chose to look at the glass half full – I think that’s a very immigrant attitude.

In this famous statement, Lincoln is quoting the response of Jesus Christ to those who accused him of being able to cast out devils because he was empowered by the Prince of devils, recorded in Matthew 12:25: "And Jesus knew their thoughts, and said unto them, Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and every city or house divided against itself shall not stand".
1850s, The House Divided speech (1858)

“I don’t expect perfection, I expect excellence.” I expect 100 percent effort in all you do.”
When to Rob a Bank: ...And 131 More Warped Suggestions and Well-Intended Rants

Source: Reborn: Journals and Notebooks, 1947-1963