As it must not, so genius cannot be lawless; for it is even that constitutes its genius - the power of acting creatively under laws of its own origination.

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.

The father of doubts has a son of knowledge.

Everyone thinks that they are intelligent even though there is no sign of intelligence.

To know how to say what others only know how to think is what makes men poets or sages and to dare to say what others only dare to think makes men martyrs or reformers-or both.

My dear, beautiful and imaginative things can be destroyed. Beauty and imagination cannot.

Genius is an exaggeration of dimension. So is elephantiasis. Both may be only a disease.

Blessed are those who believe when there is no evidence of an answer to prayer.

He wanted to grow old with her, or not grow old at all.

Social Security faces a long-term actuarial deficit, yes.

I like being cheerful. Isn't it nice to be able to have fun and laugh while doing interviews?

You have to be possessive about who you love