However weighed down and entangled in earthly fetters you may be, it can never be too late.

We notice the person who is for ever bowing and fussily servile, and perhaps say, How humble he is! But the truly humble person escapes notice: the world does not know him.

It is precisely our egoism, our self-centeredness and self-love that cause all our difficulties, our lack of freedom in suffering, our disappointments and our anguish of soul and body.

It begins here, and has no end, and no earthly power can coerce it; and it is to be found in the human heart.

You must learn to follow privately the Lord's bidding: not to speak empty words, not to adorn yourself, always to obey authority, not to look at a woman with desire, not to be angry and much else.

It is for us to begin. If we take one step towards the Lord, he takes ten towards us -- he who saw the prodigal son while he was at a distance, and had compassion and ran and embraced him.

Remember: there is no place, no community, no external circumstance that is not serviceable for the battle you have chosen. The exception is only such work as directly serves your vices.

This obstinate will to personal happiness is the cause of unrest and division in your soul. Give it up and work against it: the rest will be given you without effort.

Instinct seeks satisfaction. Love is free of all demands.

Say nothing of the new life you have begun or of the experiment you are making and experiences you expect to have. All this is a matter between God and you, and only between you two.

The saints' deep secret is this: do not seek freedom, and freedom will be given you.

Facing it, always facing it, that’s the way to get through. Face it.

A man who has lived in many places is not likely to be deceived by the local errors of his native village

I agree with Agassiz that dogs possess something very like a conscience.

I don't like the word "experiment" in the context of art in general. It implies something immature, unfinished, something entertaining for a moment before it becomes irrelevant.

I come from the South Bronx - a true descendant of the melting pot. I grew up in a really mixed neighborhood; it was a very integrated life.

The idea of a personal God is an anthropological concept which I am unable to take seriously.

I liked Camille Paglia. I liked her even better when I heard her talk.

One thing about great art: it made you love people more, forgive them their petty transgressions. It worked in the way that religion was supposed to, if you thought about it.

Maybe everyone is a little too reassuring that things are going to be OK to college graduates. It gives them a false sort of security.

One way to avoid what has already been done is to be true to yourself.