Blessed is he who has learned to admire but not envy, to follow but not imitate, to praise but not flatter, and to lead but not manipulate.

The pessimist complains about the wind; the optimist expects it to change; the realist adjusts the sails.

A warm smile is the universal language of kindness.

Do more than belong: participate. Do more than care: help. Do more than believe: practice. Do more than be fair: be kind. Do more than forgive: forget. Do more than dream: work.

Opportunities are like sunrises. If you wait too long, you miss them.

The mediocre teacher tells. The good teacher explains. The superior teacher demonstrates. The great teacher inspires.

Study while others are sleeping; work while others are loafing; prepare while others are playing; and dream while others are wishing.

When we seek to discover the best in others, we somehow bring out the best in ourselves.

Gratitude can transform common days into thanksgivings, turn routine jobs into joy, and change ordinary opportunities into blessings.” —

Three enemies of personal peace: regret over yesterday’s mistakes, anxiety over tomorrow’s problems, and ingratitude for today’s blessings.

Flatter me, and I may not believe you. Criticize me, and I may not like you. Ignore me, and I may not forgive you. Encourage me, and I will not forget you. Love me and I may be forced to love you.

We tried not to smile, for smiling only encourages men to bore you and waste your time.

Writing takes a pen, a sheet of paper and, to start with, just the shadow of an idea.

She hits me and she beats me and she drinks. My mom is an alcoholic.

Film is the most expensive, highest risk industry in the world.

The difference between Carter and [Ted] Kennedy: Carter has this vague religion which he believes in strongly, while Kennedy has this strong religion which he believes in vaguely.

The line between true self and feigned self is blurred on all sides. Which I think is a rather handy metaphor for falling in love.

In America, we celebrate success. We don't apologize for success.

I've learned my feelings and thoughts are secondary to what needs to get done - that what matters is the next right action.

To pray against temptation, and yet rush into occasions, is to thrust your fingers into the fire, and then pray they might not be burnt.

As with any true artist, change is the only constant.