Mason Cooley

"Ideology has shaped the very sofa on which I sit."

"Wisdom remembers. Happiness forgets."

"Lonely people keep up a ceaseless flow of commentary on themselves."

"Every day begins with an act of courage and hope: getting out of bed."

"In an aphorism, aptness counts for more than truth."

"Scepticism is always a back road leading to some credo or other."

"The laughter of the aphorism is sometimes triumphant, but seldom carefree."

"I am easy-going right up to the borders of my self-interest."

"Timidity keeps me safe and sad in a narrow room."

"Writing an upbeat aphorism is a temptation, but decorum forbids."

"When lying to someone, look him straight in the eye."

"Reality is the name we give to our disappointments."