A good rule for writers: do not explain overmuch.

Nothing in the world is permanent, and we’re foolish when we ask anything to last, but surely we’re still more foolish not to take delight in it while we have it.

We are not the same persons this year as last; nor are those we love. It is a happy chance if we, changing, continue to love a changed person.

To acquire the habit of reading is to construct for yourself a refuge from almost all the miseries of life.

It's a funny thing about life; if you refuse to accept anything but the best, you very often get it.

If a nation values anything more than freedom, it will lose its freedom; and the irony of it is that if it is comfort or money that it values more, it will lose that too.

The secret to life is meaningless unless you discover it yourself.

The only important thing in a book is the meaning that it has for you.

It is dangerous to let the public behind the scenes. They are easily disillusioned and then they are angry with you, for it was the illusion they loved.

The common idea that success spoils people by making them vain, egotistic and self-complacent is erroneous; on the contrary it makes them, for the most part, humble, tolerant and kind.

Imagination grows by exercise, and contrary to common belief, is more powerful in the mature than in the young.

You picked the wrong girl to dominate, Dracula.

Leadership, where happiness and work works.

The only person to blame for your situation is you.

Power tends to corrupt and absolute power corrupts absolutely.

The result of the voyage does not depend on the speed of the ship, but on whether or not it keeps a true course.

Nobody lives forever and I've had a blessed life.

I love being the mayor. I want to be the mayor forever.

My grandkids believe I'm the oldest thing in the world. And after two or three hours with them, I believe it, too.

Mel: What was your name again? Rain: Rain. Mel: Oh that's nice. Kind of like bad weather.

I've been very lucky. I've had three separate careers: freelance illustrator, then set designer, puppetteer and animator, and now fine artist. I just bluffed my way into every one of 'em!