Pat Grady

“People say they need freedom, but in fact, nobody wants freedom.”
― Ryunosuke Akutagawa

“That’s because, in a way different from what you meant by it, you can’t trust anybody.” Major Kimura lit a new cigar and, smiling, continued in tones that were almost exultantly cheerful. “It is important—even necessary—for us to become acutely aware of the fact that we can’t trust ourselves. The only ones you can trust to some extent are people who really know that. We had better get this straight. Otherwise, our own characters’ heads could fall off like Xiao-er’s at any time.”
― Ryūnosuke Akutagawa, Rashomon and Seventeen Other Stories

“A man sometimes devotes his life to a desire which he is not sure will ever be fulfilled.”
― Ryūnosuke Akutagawa, Rashomon and Other Stories

“Everyone is the same under the skin.”
― Ryūnosuke Akutagawa, Rashōmon and Seventeen Other Stories