But the works of man are impotent against the assaults of nature . . .

And the winds and the waves are always on the side of the ablest navigators.

Imam Hussain's sacrifice is for all groups and communities, an example of the path of rightousness.

I never make the mistake of arguing with people for whose opinions I have no respect.

The various modes of worship which prevailed in the Roman world were all considered by the people as equally true; by the philosopher as equally false; and by the magistrate as equally useful.

And thus toleration produced not only mutual indulgence, but even religious concord. The superstition of the people was not embittered theological rancor.

Let us read with method, and propose to ourselves an end to which our studies may point. The use of reading is to aid us in thinking.

In the end, they wanted security more than they wanted freedom.

Conversation enriches the understanding, but solitude is the school of genius.

Vicissitudes of fortune, which spares neither man nor the proudest of his works, which buries empires and cities in a common grave.

We improve ourselves by victories over ourselves. There must be contest, and we must win.

I love costumes. I love getting dressed up because it really helps my imagination make the leap to believe that I am who I say I am.

I'm a proud Reagan conservative.

Too many people never connect with their true talents and therefore don't know what they are capable of achieving.

As you go along your own road in life, you will, if you aim high enough, also meet resistance... But no matter how tough the opposition may seem, have courage still and persevere.

I try to be good but sometimes a person just has to break out and act like the wild and springy thing one used to be. It's impossible not to remember wild an want it back.

The best way to reduce emissions and pollution is not through partisan political theater but through developing consensus on areas that will bring about effectual change.

One of the secrets to staying young is to always do things you don't know how to do, to keep learning.

When we read a book, our most essential trait - imagination - is given the opportunity to soar.

Movies help the sales of the comics.

It has never been more critical that a leader step forward to accelerate our understanding of cancer - and champion the effort to finally defeat it. That leader will be the Duke Cancer Institute.