Genius is nothing more than common faculties refined to a greater intensity. There are no astonishing ways of doing astonishing things. All astonishing things are done by ordinary materials.

Art is a reality, not a definition; inasmuch as it approaches a reality, it approaches perfection, and inasmuch as it approaches a mere definition, it is imperfect and untrue.

When a man is no longer anxious to do better than well, he is done for.

Temperance in everything is requisite for happiness.

There surely is in human nature an inherent propensity to extract all the good out of all the evil.

Fortunately for serious minds, a bias recognized is a bias sterilized.

The safest principle through life, instead of reforming others, is to set about perfecting yourself.

Never suffer youth to be an excuse for inadequacy, nor age and fame to be an excuse for indolence.

All government is an evil, but, of the two form's of that evil, democracy or monarchy, the sounder is monarchy; the more able to do its will, democracy.

The only legitimate artists in England are the architects.

It is highly convenient to believe in the infinite mercy of God when you feel the need of mercy, but remember also his infinite justice.

Friendship is always a sweet responsibility, never an opportunity.

When you wish someone joy, you wish them peace, love, prosperity, happiness... all the good things.

Show me a genuine case of platonic friendship, and I shall show you two old or homely faces.

In matters of feeling and of the heart, too much is always better than too little.

I was thinking what an interesting concept it is to eliminate the writer from the artistic process. If we can just get rid of these actors and directors, maybe we got something here.

I quit driving, I'm not retired.

Whatever team you go to, you want to have guys who help you be successful there.

I'd rather attempt something I'm not sure I can do

I'd love to see Christ come back to crush the spirit of hate and make men put down their guns. I'd also like just one more hit single.

Poverty is the test of civility and the touchstone of friendship.