But after much thought, I have come to the conclusion that there is nothing more difficult in this world than to surrender completely. This is one of man’s greatest sorrows. ― Clarice Lispector, Selected Cronicas. (New Directions November 17, 1996)
I write very simple and very naked. That’s why it wounds. I’m a grey and blue landscape. I rise in a dry fountain and in the cold light. ― Clarice Lispector, A Breath of Life. (New Directions June 13, 2012) Originally published 1978.
I am only true when I’m alone. ― Clarice Lispector, The Hour of the Star. (New Directions; Reissue edition February 17, 1992) Originally published January 1st 1975.
I went to sleep somewhat sad. But I awoke happy, purely animal. When I opened the bedroom windows and looked out onto the cool, calm garden in the first rays of sunlight, I was certain there was nothing to do but live. —Clarice Lispector, from “Jimmy and I,” The Complete Stories. (New Directions; Reprint edition… Continue reading Clarice Lispector
If pain must come, may it come quickly. Because I have a life to live, and I need to live it in the best way possible. If he has to make a choice, may he make it now. Then I will either wait for him or forget him. ― Paulo Coelho, By the River Piedra… Continue reading Paulo Coelho
For I need to know precisely this one thing: am I feeling what I am feeling, or am I feeling what I wanted to feel? or am I feeling what I would need to feel? — Clarice Lispector, The Passion According to G.H. (Published 1964, published in English 1988 / 2012)
Be aware of the place where you are brought to tears. That’s where I am, and that’s where your treasure is. — Paulo Coelho, The Alchemist (HarperTorch, 2006)
Every abyss is navigable by little paper boats. — João Guimarães Rosa, Tutaméia (Terceiras Estórias) Nova Fronteira; 8 edition (2009). Originally published January 1st 1976.
‘I’ve been through all this before,’ he says to his heart. ‘Yes, you have been through all this before,’ replies his heart. ‘But you have never been beyond it.; ― Paulo Coelho, Manuel of the Warrior of Light. (HarperCollins (eng. trans.) 1997, published in English 2003)
Between two musical notes there exists another note, between two facts there exists another fact, between two grains of sand, no matter how close together they are, there exists an interval of space, there exists a sensing between sensing—in the interstices of primordial matter there is the mysterious, fiery line that is the world’s breathing,… Continue reading Clarice Lispector
The Vale of Soul-Making 