Lanark: A Life in Four Books

by Alasdair Gray

They let us exist. But who, nowadays, is glad just to exist?” “I am. At the moment,” said McAlpin, watching the sunlight move among rooftops. “So am I,” said Thaw, wondering what had happened to his argument.

Let there be many young, living gulls to enjoy the speed and freshness this one missed; and give us all enough happiness and courage to die without feeling cheated;

You suffer from the oldest delusion in politics. You think you can change the world by talking to a leader. Leaders are the effects, not the causes of changes. I cannot give prosperity to people whom my rich supporters cannot exploit.”