Grace M

“Is there an infinite outside of us? Is this infinite, one, inherent, permanent; necessarily substantial, because it is infinite, and because, if matter were wanting to it, it would in that respect be limited; necessarily intelligent, because it is infinite, and because if it lacked intelligence, it would be to that extent, finite? Does this infinite awaken in us the idea of essence, while we are able to attribute to ourselves the idea of existence only? In other words, is it not the absolute of which we are the relative?”
― Victor Hugo, Les Miserables

“39. The things ordained for you -- teach yourself to be at one with those. And the people who share them with you -- treat them with love.
With real love.”
― Marcus Aurelius, Meditations

“37. If you've seen the present, then you've seen everything -- as it's been since the beginning, as it will be forever. The same substance, the same form. All of it.”
― Marcus Aurelius, Meditations: The Thoughts of the Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius (Illustrated)

“Is it better to throw yourself head first and laughing into the holy rage calling your name?
It's not about the outward appearances but inward significance. A grandeur in the world, but not of the world, a grandeur that the world doesn't understand. That first glimpse of pure otherness, in whose presence you bloom out and out and out.
A self one does not want. A heart one cannot help.”
― Donna Tartt, The Goldfinch