John Stephens

“But a planet can also become dark because of “too strong a desire for security … the greatest evil there is.” Meg resists her father’s analysis. What’s wrong with wanting to be safe? Mr. Murry insists that “lust for security” forces false choices and a panicked search for safety and conformity. This reminded me that my grandmother would get very annoyed when anyone would talk about “the power of love.” Love, she insisted, is not power, which she considered always coercive. To love is to be vulnerable; and it is only in vulnerability and risk—not safety and security—that we overcome darkness.”
― Madeleine L'Engle, A Wrinkle in Time

“A book, too, can be a star, “explosive material, capable of stirring up fresh life endlessly,” a living fire to lighten the darkness, leading out into the expanding universe.”
― Madeleine L'Engle, A Wrinkle in Time

“The best way to guide children without coercion is to be ourselves.”
― Madeleine L'Engle, A Circle of Quiet

“There will no longer be so many pleasant things to look at if responsible people do not do something about the unpleasant ones.”
― Madeleine L'Engle, A Wrinkle in Time