As society advances the standard of poverty rises.

Cities have always been the fireplaces of civilization, whence light and heat radiated out into the dark.

Never violate the sacredness of your individual self-respect.

Outward judgment often fails, inward judgment never.

Democracy means not "I am as good as you are" but "You are as good as I am.".

The books that help you the most are those which make you think the most.

Magnificent promises are always to be suspected.

A happy wedlock is a long falling in love.

I do not pretend to understand the moral universe; the arc is a long one. . . . But from what I see I am sure it bends toward justice.

Never violate the sacredness of your individual self-respect. Be true to your own mind and conscience, your heart and your soul. So only can you be true to God.

Nature is man's religious book, with lessons for every day.

The fatal problem with poetry: poems.

No wife wants to hear that her husband is less than perfect.

Just pray for a tough hide and a tender heart.

We're going to stand up to China, we're going to stop their currency manipulation and product dumping, which is killing us.

I am tormented with an everlasting itch for things remote. I love to sail forbidden seas.

I don't write for publishers, certainly not for critics, and not for readers, But I am delighted that so many people have found my books enjoyable and want to continue to read them.

Enjoy your life and put a smile on your face, no matter how hard it may seem.

The fact that ticket prices are way too expensive, and there's only one bunch of people going to see Broadway shows, is something I've never liked.

What you BECOME on earth matters far more than what you DO. You're taking your character to heaven, not your career.

My father-he pretty much taught me everything I know. He still pushes me to be the best I can.