Arcadia Quick Quotes

The only thing I wanted, she says, was not to be a burden. Quick and painless, how I wanted to go. But the Universe called you back, Astrid says. For no reason, Hannah says. You find the reason, Astrid snaps. Finish with the self-pity, and move on.

Lying," he said out loud, hoping no one would hear. "I need to lie. Teach me, quickly." I wouldn't if I were you, came the response. For a start, it's a variable concept here. You are in a culture where ambiguity has been raised to a high level. Let me give an example: depending on phrasing, circumstance, expression, body movement, intonation and context, the statement "I love you" can mean I love you; I don't love you; I hate you; I want to have sex with you; I do, in fact, love your sister; I don't love you any more; leave me alone, I'm tired, or I'm sorry I forgot your birthday. The person being talked to would instantly understand the meaning but might choose to attribute an entirely different meaning to the statement. Lying is a social act and the nature and import of the lie depends in effect on an unspoken agreement between the parties concerned. Please note that this description does not even begin to explore the concept of deep lies, in which the speaker simultaneously says something he knows to be untrue and genuinely believes it nonetheless: politicians are particularly adept at this.

Breaking down in tears won’t help her and we don’t have time to cycle through the stages of grief. Or, if it will make you feel better, I can do so quickly: This can’t be — it’s not fair! Why don’t you take me instead, God? I’m so sad. But I have to get on with my life.