“When the beginnings of self-destruction enter the heart it seems no bigger than a grain of sand.”

— John Cheever, The Journals of John Cheever, 1991 (1952 entry)

About John Cheever

1912 – 1982

American novelist and short-story writer.

“Art is the triumph over chaos.”

“Admire the world. Relish the love of a gentle woman. Trust in the lord.”

“Wisdom we know is the knowledge of good and evil not the strength to choose between the two.”

“All men love you for themselves. I love you for yourself.”

“The chief thing is to love others like yourself, that's the chief thing, and that's everything.”

“I say to myself with jealous love that not only is there no one else like Him, but that there could be no one.”

“Wouldst thou other men know, look thou within thine own heart.”

“You have made us for yourself, O Lord, and our hearts are restless until they rest in you.”

“I tore myself away from the safe comfort of certainties through my love for truth — and truth rewarded me.”