“Being a victim is more palatable than having to recognize the intrinsic contradictions of one’s own governing philosophy.”— Tom Clancy, The Hunt for Red October

“Self-pity is easily the most destructive of the non-pharmaceutical narcotics; it is addictive, gives momentary pleasure and separates the victim from reality.”— John Gardner

''Self-pity doesn't work. Despair doesn't work''

'In my experience, there are various reasons why people have such a hard time choosing, but at base, they usually reflect idealized expectations and an underlying perfectionism.''