Joe Lawrence

“My puzzlement used to be 'why is the Lone Ranger' called 'lone' if he is always with Tonto. Now, I see that given the racial and metaphorical nature of the relationship, he is able to be understood as 'alone' precisely because of Tonto. Without him, he would be, I suppose, simply 'Ranger'.”
― Toni Morrison, The Source of Self-Regard: Selected Essays, Speeches, and Meditations

“I, and I only, am to blame for all their sins; I spoiled them. To-day they are as eager for pleasure as they used to be for sugar-plums. When they were little girls I indulged them in every whim. They had a carriage of their own when they were fifteen. They have never been crossed. I am guilty, and not they—but I sinned through love.”
― Honoré de Balzac, Père Goriot

“I never saw a tree that was no tree in particular.”
― Annie Dillard, Pilgrim at Tinker Creek

“Don't be ignorant your whole life.”
― Cormac McCarthy, No Country for Old Men