1Q84 #1-2 (1Q84, #1-2)

by Haruki Murakami

“You can have tons of talent, but it won’t necessarily keep you fed. If you have sharp instincts, though, you’ll never go hungry.”

One had to deliver a lightning attack to the adversary’s weakest point and do so mercilessly and with the utmost ferocity

One must not hesitate. A moment of indecision could be fatal.

You find your opponent’s weak point and make the first move with a concentrated attack. It’s the only chance a guerilla force has of defeating a regular army.”

It was Aomame’s firm belief that the human body was a temple, to be kept as strong and beautiful and clean as possible, whatever one might enshrine there.

The moon had been observing the earth close-up longer than anyone. It must have witnessed all of the phenomena occurring – and all of the acts carried out – on this earth. But the moon remained silent; it told no stories. All it did was embrace the heavy past with cool, measured detachment. On the moon there was neither air nor wind. Its vacuum was perfect for preserving memories unscathed.

That’s what the world is, after all: an endless battle of contrasting memories.”

You can’t choose how you’re born, but you can choose how you die.”