A sealed book, at whose contents we tremble.

Imagination is to love what gas is to the balloon-that which raises it from earth.

I think hearts are very much like glasses. If they do not break with the first ring, they usually last a considerable time.

Ah, tell me not that memory sheds gladness o'er the past, what is recalled by faded flowers, save that they did not last?

Social life is filled with doubts and vain aspirings; solitude, when the imagination is dethroned, is turned to weariness and ennui.

The heart's hushed secret in the soft dark eye.

Ah, tell me not that memory Sheds gladness o'er the past; What is recalled by faded flowers, Save that they did not last? Were it not better to forget, Than but remember and regret?

In sad truth, half our forebodings of our neighbors are but our own wishes, which we are ashamed to utter in any other form.

An apt quotation is like a lamp which flings its light over the whole sentence.

there is nothing so easy as to be wise for others; a species of prodigality, by-the-by - for such wisdom is wholly wasted.

Strange mystery of our nature, that those in whom genius develops itself in imagination, thus taking its most ethereal form, should yet be the most dependent on the opinions of others!

At the core of all well-founded belief lies belief that is unfounded.

You can't be afraid to fail. It's the only way you succeed - you're not gonna succeed all the time, and I know that.

I grew up with classical music when I was a ballet dancer. Now when I have to prepare an emotional scene, to cry or whatever, I listen to sonatas. Vivaldi and stuff. It's just beautiful to me.

The American people will not tolerate a clean increase in the debt limit.

When from a long distant past nothing subsists after the things are broken and scattered, the smell and taste of things remain.

I come from an ordinary family - my dad is a carpenter, a roof-maker - and we've always loved racing together.

Everyone can know what is in my heart because I find it hard to conceal myself.

Gentlemen, start your engines!

Men are generally more careful of the breed of their horses and dogs than of their children.

I remember standing outside of the dorm by the little terrace. I was going to do this job that I wasn't 100 percent certain of, which ended up being much more fun than I expected [in So Notorious].