Both life and death manifest in every moment of existence. Our human body appears and disappears moment by moment, without cease, and this ceaseless arising and passing away is what we experience as time and being. They are not separate. They are one thing, and in even a fraction of a second, we have the opportunity to choose, and to turn the course of our action either toward the attainment of truth or away from it. Each instant is utterly critical to the whole world.

When I think of this, I am both cheered and saddened. Cheered at the thought of the many instants that arise and are available to do good in the world. Saddened by all the misspent moments that have piled on top of each other and led us to this war.

—Yasutani Haruki #1

Every human creature is constituted to be that profound secret and mystery to every other.

—Narrator. Book I Chapter III: The Night Shadows

It is a far, far better thing that I do, than I have ever done; it is a far, far better rest that I go to, than I have ever known.

—Sydney Carton. Book III Chapter XV: The Footsteps Die Out For Ever