“He did not have the habit of self-examination and had the feeling that it was vanity that made people speak about their virtues. And their faults.”

–“Where All Things Wise and Fair Descend”

This, by the way, is an excellent story. It’s not especially subtle; it’s declarative and collegiate and nervous. It’s also a stark portrayal of grief, youth, and, maybe especially, California. You should read it. (It’s in this anthology.)