William H. Gass

Silence is the soul's invisibility. We can, of course, conceal ourselves behind lies and sophistries, but when we speak, we are present, however careful our disguise.

The center of the self, itself, is this secret, obsessive, often silly, nearly continuous voice — the voice that is the surest sign we are alive.

To think for yourself — not narrowly, but rather as a mind — you must be able to talk to yourself: well, openly, and at length.