“Life’s single lesson: that there is more accident to it than a man can ever admit to in a lifetime and stay sane.” FAUSTO MAIJSTRAL, IN THOMAS PYNCHON’S V. “I wish you luck, because what lies ahead is no picnic for the prepared and the unprepared alike, and you’ll need luck. Still, I believe you’ll manage.” JOSEPH BRODSKY, “SPEECH AT THE STADIUM”
