"Torturous advances won over generations can be lost by a single stroke of a myopic president's pen or a vainglorious general's sword."

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Why is failure the first thing I think of when I find myself in this sort of situation? Why can't I just enjoy myself? But if you have to ask the question, then you know you're lost: self-consciousness is a man's worst enemy. Already I'm wondering whether she's as aware of my erection as I am.

— Nick Hornby