Julia

“Now, there are many millions in their sects and churches who feel the order, 'Do thou,' and throw their weight into obedience. And there are millions more who feel predestination in 'Thou shalt.' Nothing they may do can interfere with what will be. But 'Thou mayest'! Why, that makes a man great, that gives him stature with the gods, for in his weakness and his filth and his murder of his brother he has still the great choice. He can choose his course and fight it through and win.”
― John Steinbeck, East of Eden

“Love, she learned, could reduce its recipient to an essential thing, as important as food or shelter, whose presence is not only longed for but needed.”
― Anthony Marra, A Constellation of Vital Phenomena

“It occurred to me that the voracious ambition of humans is never sated by dreams coming true, because there is always the thought that everything can be done better and again.”
― John Green, The Fault in Our Stars

“Just because you can live without someone doesn't mean you want to.”
― Taylor Jenkins Reid, After I Do