Author of quotes: John Joseph Maxwell Coetzee

All this reminds me too much of Mao's China. Renunciation, self-criticism, public pleas for forgiveness. I'm old-fashioned and prefer that I simply put up against the wall and shot.

Life is so arranged that it is always somewhere so hitting the child.

Those who do not know what to do with the woman lying in his bed, hardly knows what to write on in front of him the paper.

Affection may not be love, but at least the cousin is such.

Hold nothing back! I told myself that day when my executioners for the first time made me torture. Clench my teeth - stupid! You don't have any secrets. Let them know that before them a man of flesh and blood! Don't hide your horror, scream when it hurts! Stubborn silence can only encourage us, it only reinforces their belief that the soul is nothing more than a castle, to which they were obliged patiently to pick up the pick. Let your feelings out! Open your heart!

Once, long ago, it was all new, he says, just repeating the gesture Drago. - Everything in the world was once new. Even I was new. When I was born, I was the newest of all that existed on Earth. Then I began time. Just as it will for you. Time you eat, Drago. One day you'll be sitting in his lovely house with his lovely new wife, and your son turns to you two and say: "Why you so old fashioned?"

Poor old Katy, she [the dog] in mourning. Nobody wants her and knows it. The funny thing is that she, most likely, the offspring, and they would be happy to share their homes with her. But to take her home not in their power. They are part of the furniture, part of the alarm system. They do us the honour of treating us like gods, and we in return treat them as inanimate creatures.

- Well, you're welcome to stay.
Very nice of you to say so, my dear, but I would like to keep your friendship. And long visits are not good friends.

History repeats itself, only looks modest. Perhaps history learned something.

When everything turns to dust - philosophize.

- ... I had an affair with a girl.
Serious?
- And that its severity can improve or worsen my situation? After a certain age, all Affairs are serious. Like heart attacks.

The rumor mill is turning day and night, grinding reputations.

The deed is done. Two names on a piece of paper, his and hers, side by side. Two in a bed, not lovers but enemies.

- Are you married?
Was. Twice. Now no.
He says: "Now I am satisfied with what will turn up." Doesn't say, "Now I make do with whores."