“Do those things that incline you toward the big questions, and avoid the things that would reduce you and make you trivial. That luminous part of you that exists beyond personality — your soul, if you will — is as bright and shining as any that has ever been. Bright as Shakespeare’s, bright as Gandhi’s, bright as Mother Teresa’s. Clear away everything that keeps you separate from this secret luminous place. Believe it exists, come to know it better, nurture it, share its fruits tirelessly.”
More from George Saunders
“Humor is what happens when we’re told the truth quicker and more directly than we’re used…”
“It’s a big world, and I really like it.”
“…smile first, then speak.”
“All were in sorrow, or had been, or soon would be. It was the nature of things. Though on…”