Devlin Tay

“Sigmund Freud notably saw in the Oedipus myth a playing out of his theory that infant sons long for a close and exclusive relationship with their mothers, including an (unconscious) sexual one, and hate their fathers for coming between this perfect mother–son union. It is an oft-noted irony that, of all men in history, Oedipus was the one with the least claim to an Oedipus Complex. He left Corinth because the idea of sex with his mother Merope (as he thought) was so repugnant. Not only was his attraction to Jocasta adult (and the incestuous element wholly unwitting), but it came after the killing of his father Laius, which itself was accidental and entirely unconnected to any infant sexual jealousy. None of which put Freud off his stride.”
― Stephen Fry, Heroes: Mortals and Monsters, Quests and Adventures

“What kinds of creatures are we? Just because we want a piece of meat, we take a life. Just because we want a bowl of soup, we kill the child of another being. In exchange for a good taste in our mouth that will last seconds, we take endless years from another animal, causing them to suffer fear, pain, and sadness. These questions are not odd to ask. Centuries ago, the famous poet Su Shi asked them too—as have others. We all must eat of course. But we should find a way to do this compassionately. And our efforts should be more thoughtful than a short fast here and there. Such half measures foster evil while making people feel like they’re accomplishing great good.”
― Yun Ji, The Shadow Book of Ji Yun: The Chinese Classic of Weird True Tales, Horror Stories, and Occult Knowledge

“May those who feed me win the joy of tranquillity and peace, with those who protect me, honor me, respect me, and revere me. And those who revile me, afflict me, beat me, cut me in pieces with their swords, or take my life—may they all obtain the joy of complete enlightenment, may they be awakened to perfect and sublime enlightenment.” With such thoughts and actions and resolves he cultivates … and develops the consciousness of joy in his relations with all beings, and so he acquires a contemplative spirit filled with joy in all things … and becomes imperturbable—not to be shaken by all the deeds of Māra.”
― William Theodore de Bary, The Buddhist Tradition: In India, China and Japan

“I tried to tell them if I could just keep going a little longer I’d be sure to find something incredible. But the short-sighted fools in charge of the coffers decided to fund a study to see if rats can understand the Japanese language when spoken backwards.”
― Frank Forte, Beyond Lovecraft: An Anthology of fiction inspired by H.P.Lovecraft and the Cthulhu Mythos