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It closely resembles the situation that exists within a mental institution: in tight quarters, in similar garb, dissimilar minds attempt to build a consensus reality that, with a monumental effort of empathy, cannot—can never!—take concrete form.

— Jeff VanderMeer City of Saints and Madmen (2001)

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More quotes by Jeff VanderMeer

It is the nature of the writer to question the validity of his world and yet rely on his senses to describe it. From what other tension can great literature be born?

City of Saints and Madmen (2001)

They’ll never forget, never forgive, no matter who the enemy is, son. Better just to start a new life. Be someone else.

Finch (2009)

An inordinate love of ritual can be harmful to the soul, unless, of course, in times of great crisis, when ritual can protect the soul from fracture.

City of Saints and Madmen (2001)

I had learned so much about the world that I had decided to withdraw from it.

Finch (2009)

When they give you things, ask yourself why. When you're grateful to them for giving you the things you should have anyway, ask yourself why.

Finch (2009)

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Attribution

Quote text and notes from Wikiquote: Jeff VanderMeer (page history), available under CC BY-SA 4.0. Source quality and labels are our own summary of what Wikiquote records.