What are the choices that we must make if we are now to succeed, and not to fail? [...] Two types of choices seem to me to have been crucial to tipping their outcomes towards success or failure: long-term planning, and willingness to reconsider core values. On reflection, we can also recognize the crucial role of these same two choices for the outcomes of our individual lives. One of those choices has depended on the courage to practice long-term thinking, and to make bold, courageous, anticipatory decisions at a time when problems have become perceptible but before they have reached crisis proportions. [...] The other crucial choice illuminated by the past involves the courage to make painful decisions about values. Which of the values that formerly served a society well can continue to be maintained under new changed circumstances? Which of these treasured values must instead be jettisoned and replaced with different approaches? Collapse: How Societies Choose to Fail or Succeed

Confidences are always risky: a secret entrusted to a stranger make him less of one. You've given away something of yourself, given him the advantage. The Post Office Girl 

“Wherefore each of you, when his turn comes, must go down to the general underground abode, and get the habit of seeing in the dark.” Republic

"You're a bitter man," said Candide. "That's because I've lived," said Martin. Candide