A nation to be great ought to be compressed in its increment by nations more civilized than itself.

Exclusively of the abstract sciences, the largest and worthiest portion of our knowledge consists of aphorisms: and the greatest and best of men is but an aphorism.

Common sense in an uncommon degree is what the world calls wisdom.

There is one art of which people should be masters - the art of reflection.

Humor is consistent with pathos, whilst wit is not.

A great mind must be androgynous.

In Xanadu did Kubla Khan A stately pleasure-dome decree: Where Alph, the sacred river, ran Through caverns measureless to man Down to a sunless sea.

That gracious thing, made up of tears and light.

The love of a mother is the veil of a softer light between the heart and the heavenly Father.

Religion is the most gentlemanly thing in the world. It alone will gentilize, if unmixed with cant.

Poor little Foal of an oppressed race! I love the languid patience of thy face.

Common sense is the collection of prejudices acquired by age 18.

I've done my share of busking, and it's fun until it isn't. There are musicians in the subways that will make you cry, they're so good.

Your book bill ought to be your biggest extravagance.

I am partial to ladies if they are nice. I suppose it is my nature. I am not quite a gentleman but you would hardly notice it.

No matter where I was, my compass pointed west. I would always know what time it was in California.

Life is a game in which the player must appear ridiculous.

I was born out west but later on I migrated to the east side of Chicago. That's where my roots are at. I've been over east for more than ten years.

Is not Jesus pointing to children even as models for grownups?

If our mind is pure, our desires get manifested quickly.

The real satisfaction from mathematics is in learning from others and sharing with others.