I got done writing Ports of Call and suddenly realized I have far too much material for the book.

Human interactions, stimulated as they are by disequilibrium, never achieve balance. In even the most favorable transaction, one party whether he realizes it or not must always come out the worse.

Of all questions, why? is the least pertinent. It begs the question; it assumes the larger part of its own response; to wit, that a sensible response exists.

Freedom, privileges, options, must constantly be exercised, even at the risk of inconvenience.

Good music always defeats bad luck

But I've sure worked at jobs where I have been under inspection.

While we are alive we should sit among colored lights and taste good wines, and discuss our adventures in far places; when we are dead, the opportunity is past.

What is an evil man? The man is evil who coerces obedience to his private ends, destroys beauty, produces pain, extinguishes life.

A barbarian is not aware that he is a barbarian.

I understand the gist of your speculation,' said Rhialto. 'It is most likely nuncupatory.

I was a carpenter for a time and everybody watches what you do.

Thinking about the future is the worst way of thinking about the future. Working on your future is the best way of thinking about your future.

When the grass is greener at other people's feet, it is not because the grass chose to take up that complexion. But it is because, they have deliberately irrigated it on regular accounts.

For great many species today, “fitness” means the ability to get along in a world in which humankind has become the most powerful evolutionary force.

He told me once that he didn't fear conscription as much as everyone else because the dozen bloodthirsty girls he was leaving behind were far more dangerous.

I don't really put a lot of swearing in my music. I want everybody to be able to enjoy it.

Intelligent discontent is the mainspring of civilization.

If we really reflect and discriminate, we'll find that all things are created by our perception, that all states exist within the mind.

Gladys.. work has kept you fit And Bill.. you never moan Well life's not for carrying cases With a butler of your own

A man who can take anything will find most things unsatisfying. And a man without memories is just a shell.

The faith that education would destroy intolerance is false. It may be partly true, but people find that intolerance is fun.