Annie Dillard

The writer studies literature, not the world.

When I teach, I preach. I thump the Bible. I exhort my students morally. I talk to them about the dedicated life.

A schedule defends from chaos and whim. It is a net for catching days. It is a scaffolding on which a worker can stand and labor with both hands at sections of time.

When the market goes to hell, it's more of an opportunity than a problem.

What people don't understand about the Arctic is that this isn't just about those other people, those Eskimos that have nothing to do with us. The Arctic drives the climate of the whole globe.

Before I die, I will preach to the Muslims in the Arab world. I will preach in Egypt, Lebanon, Syria and Iran. I will preach in Tehran. I will do it under the umbrella of God. And see its impact.