Life of Pi

by Yann Martel

life isn’t biological necessity—it’s envy. Life is so beautiful that death has fallen in love with it, a jealous, possessive love that grabs at what it can.

To choose doubt as a philosophy of life is akin to choosing immobility as a means of transportation.

All living things contain a measure of madness that moves them in strange, sometimes inexplicable ways.

Memory is an ocean and he bobs on its surface.

Nature can put on a thrilling show. The stage is vast, the lighting is dramatic, the extras are innumerable, and the budget for special effects is absolutely unlimited.

To lose your father is to lose the one whose guidance and help you seek, who supports you like a tree trunk supports its branches. To lose your mother, well, that is like losing the sun above you. It is like losing—I’m sorry, I would rather not go on.

I must say a word about fear. It is life’s only true opponent. Only fear can defeat life.

The lower you are, the higher your mind will want to soar.

It’s important in life to conclude things properly. Only then can you let go. Otherwise you are left with words you should have said but never did, and your heart is heavy with remorse.