I can't stand his squeaky voice. It always sets my teeth on edge.

apostate — “one who is characterized by dissent”

I had yet to go to a convention. — I had not yet gone to a convention.

[T]hou art a living passenger upon this earth, and must look out for thyself. Help yourself! Nobody forwards thee to thy destination; and we Germans have a proverb that comes near it in meaning: 'Each one must carry his own hide to market.'