"In these random impressions, and with no desire to be other than random, I indifferently narrate my factless autobiography, my lifeless history" (Preface.)

"For my boss I prefer the man named Vasques, who in difficult moments is easier to deal with that all the abstract bosses in the world" (Section 7, pg. 17.)

"I write my literature as I write my ledger entries-carefully and indifferently" (Section 13, pg. 21.)

"What I write, bad as it is, may provide some hurt or sad soul a few moments of distraction from something worse" (Section 14, pg. 22.)

"We're all slaves of external circumstances" (Section 33, pg. 35.)

"An income sufficient for food and drink, a roof over my head, and a little free time in which to dream and write, to sleep; what more can I ask of the Gods or expect from Destiny?" (Section 18, pg. 24.)

"To know nothing about yourself is to live. To know yourself badly...