The Latecomer

by Jean Hanff Korelitz

It was hard to imagine a time beyond this time, with its constant neediness, strong primal odors, and sheer physicality.

Newborn / infant stage

This was the flaw in making a bargain with yourself. There is no one else there to agree to the terms.

Maybe we don’t all get an opportunity to make the world better, but can we at least not fuck it up more?”