Machines Like Me

by Ian McEwan

that paradise on earth was to work all day alone in anticipation of an evening in interesting company.

“The mounted horse did not kill athletics. We run for joy.”

“I was saying that those who believe in the afterlife will never be disappointed.” “You mean, if they’re wrong they’ll never know about it.”

Arguing with the person you love is its own peculiar torment.

Anxiety is a great diluter of attention.

As Schopenhauer said about free will, you can choose whatever you desire, but you’re not free to choose your desires.

I hunted the bear with my knife. I hunted the bear with my wife. Without thinking about it, you know that you can’t use your wife to kill a bear.

the mind is its own place.

But we don’t choose who to love, do we?”

“Our leaves are falling. Come spring we will renew, But you, alas, fall once.”