Philip Shade

“As Sicknesse is the greatest misery, so the greatest misery of sicknes is solitude; when the infectiousness of the disease deterss them who should assist from coming; even the Phisician dares scarse come... it is an Outlawry, and excommunication upon the patient....”
― John Donne, Devotions upon Emergent Occasions

“You see, the key to helping other people out of them loneliness is nothing more difficult than good old-fashioned perseverance. It's not always easy, me know that, but you've got to be willing to keep doors open, to carry on trying even if it doesn't look like it's working. You've got to refuse to give up on people, even if them giving up on themselves.”
― Mike Gayle, All the Lonely People

“Now what?' asked Mr Neville, taking her arm.
'Oh, nothing,' said Edith. 'I was simply thinking how little vice there is around these days. One is led to believe one can pick and choose, but in fact, there seems no choice at all.'
'Stroll round the deck with me,' said Mr Neville. 'You are shivering. That cardigan is not warm enough; I do wish you would get rid of it. ... As to vice, there is plenty to be found if you know where to look.'
'I never seem to find it,' said Edith.
'That is because you do not give yourself over wholeheartedly to the pursuit. But, if you remember, we are going to change all that.'
'I really don't see how. If all it involves is giving away my cardigan, I feel I should tell you I have another one at home.”
― Anita Brookner, Hotel du Lac

“That's the funny thing about life. Extraordinary things can happen to ordinary people like you and me, but only if we open ourselves up enough to let them.”
― Mike Gayle, All the Lonely People