...as I get older, I find myself insisting on my right to be philosophically sloppy.

I miss being a student," said Abdul Wahid. "I miss the passionate discussions with my friends, and most of all the hours among the books.

It was never a good idea to confide in people. They always remembered, and when they came up to you in the street, years later, you could see the information was still firmly attached to your face and present in the way they said your name and the pressure of their hand clasping yours.

I have produced no children of my own and my husband is dead," she replied, an acid tone in her voice. "Thus I am more to be pitied than revered. I am expected to give up the shop to my nephew, who will then be able to afford to bring a very good wife from Pakistan. In exchange, I will be given houseroom and no doubt, the honor of taking care of several small children of other family members."

The Major was silent. He was at once appalled and also reluctant to hear any more. This was why people usually talked about the weather.

Compromises are often built on their being unspoken.

Maybe this is the missing piece. ... I like his philosophy: Run the ball, push the ball, but be smart. He emphasizes timing and spacing, changes of speed and direction.