"Anyone can write a specification, but if nobody implements it, what is it but a particularly dry form of science fiction."

“Those who misrepresent the normal experiences of life, who decry being controversial, who shun risk, are the enemies of the American way of life, whatever the piety of their vocal professions and the patriotic flavor of their platitudes.”

“The really interesting moment will be when you have a critical mass of people engaging through the networks, more than through the press and TV. When that happens, the culture of politics has to change, moving away from controlled one-way messages towards a political culture that is more questioning.”

“Cultural standards evolve. The meaning of the public interest also, of course, evolves.”

“I have lots of fiction in the drawer, but the essays I mostly kick out into the world, ready or not. Fiction incubates differently, I suppose.”

Source : "Loitering: A Conversation with Essayist and Author Charles D'Ambrosio". Interview With Chris Schluep, www.amazonbookreview.com. February 3, 2016.

“When our personal inner vision is sharp and balanced, it awakens our ability to look at life with a creative and positive point of view. It stimulates our thirst for knowledge and education in every possible way.”

“April comes like an idiot, babbling and strewing flowers.”

“Bluetooth earpieces are so geeky," Dan Cahill said. "But they free up your hands for surfing the web, stealing priceless jewels, and eating pastry," Atticus said, taking a huge bite out of an apple strudel. "And picking your nose," Dan added, which caused Atticus to blow a mouthful of strudel all over the seat in front of them occupied by Dan's sister, Amy, who was trying to sleep”

Source : Roland Smith (2012). “The 39 Clues: Cahills vs. Vespers Book 4: Shatterproof”, p.7, Scholastic Inc.

“. . . [T]hose persons who console you today may humiliate you tomorrow.”