Mankind is poised midway between the gods and the beasts.

The Greeks used to say that gods and animals were born whole. It is only humans who need to develop, that they become complete only with the help of a community. It’s the state of that community that can turn a human into a god or a beast.” She dropped the bee into the terrarium and returned it slowly to the table. “Maybe that’s bullshit. I happen to like the beasts.

Live and lie reclined/ On the hills like Gods together, careless of mankind.

To me a book is a message from the gods to mankind; or, if not, should never be published at all. . . .

Nobody's perfect. We're all just one step up from the beasts and one step down from the angels.

Mankind is like dogs, not gods - as long as you don't get mad they'll bite you - but stay mad and you'll never be bitten. Dogs don't respect humility and sorrow.