Rules of Civility

by Amor Towles

She had changed into high heels and a tangerine-colored blouse that clashed with all her best intentions.

—Most people have more needs than wants. That’s why they live the lives they do. But the world is run by those whose wants outstrip their needs.

—If we only fell in love with people who were perfect for us, he said, then there wouldn’t be so much fuss about love in the first place.