In Germany they came first for the Communists, and I didn’t speak up because I wasn’t a Communist. Then they came for the Jews and I didn’t speak up because I wasn’t a Jew. Then they came for the Trade Unionists, and I didn’t speak up because I wasn’t a Trade Unionist. Then they came for the Catholics and I didn’t speak up because I was a Protestant. Then they came for me, and by that time, there was no-one left to speak up.

-Martin Niemöller

In my twenty-three years of living in the Philippines, almost everyone who was ever nice to me either wanted to sell me something, or say ‘Ohayo gozaimasu! Ogenki?’

Yuko, my mother.

On people in the gym trying to speak Japanese to her.

I used to be indecisive. Now, I’m not sure.

Philip Wong

This guy is just brilliant.

You guys don’t seem to understand. I’m not locked in here with you, you’re locked in here with me.

-Rorschach, Watchmen

I was in the Deli buying groceries when I saw a tiny old woman pushing a shopping cart. In one of her hands she held a grocery list, and I couldn’t help seeing that there was a lot in that list. She looked so helpless, frail and alone. As she got close to me, I ventured to take a look in the woman’s cart.

There was nothing in it except a sixpack of Asahi Beer.

Yuko, my mother.

Original conversation in Japanese

Walter forgot. When you’re desperate, that’s when you got no choice.

-John Dillinger in Public Enemies (2009)