Eric Taub

“Sir,” suddenly exclaimed the countess, after their walk had continued ten minutes in silence, “is it true that you have seen so much, travelled so far, and suffered so deeply?” “I have suffered deeply, madame,” answered Monte Cristo. “But now you are happy?” “Doubtless,” replied the count, “since no one hears me complain.”
― Alexandre Dumas, The Count of Monte Cristo

“Don't you ever mind," she asked suddenly, "not being rich enough to buy all the books you want?”
― Edith Wharton, The House of Mirth

“He had her in his arms, her face like a wet flower at his lips, and all their vain terrors shriveling up like ghosts at sunrise.”
― Edith Wharton, The Age of Innocence

“But trying to use willpower to overcome the apathetic sort of sadness that accompanies depression is like a person with no arms trying to punch themselves until their hands grow back. A fundamental component of the plan is missing and it isn’t going to work.”
― Allie Brosh, Hyperbole and a Half