I love every-day senses, every-day wit and entertainment; a man who is only good on holidays, is good for very little.

As fathers commonly go, it is seldom a misfortune to be fatherless; and considering the general run of sons, as seldom a misfortune to be childless.

The mere brute pleasure of reading - the sort of pleasure a cow must have in grazing.

If we do not plant knowledge when young, it will give us no shade when we are old.

Never put off till tomorrow what you can do today.

Being pretty on the inside means you don't hit your brother and you eat all your peas - that's what my grandma taught me.

Modesty is the only sure bait when you angle for praise.

Whatever is worth doing at all is worth doing well.

You must look into people, as well as at them.

A man's own good breeding is the best security against other people's ill manners.

Know the true value of time; snatch, seize, and enjoy every moment of it. No idleness, no laziness, no procrastination: never put off till tomorrow what you can do today.

Poetry Saved Me

The one who can make full sense of love and lives within its narrow expections undresses no weeping face.

lie can run but they can’t hide

You gave too much rein to your imagination. Imagination is a good servant, and a bad master. The simplest explanation is always the most likely.

Oysters are supposed to enhance your sexual performance, but they don't work for me. Maybe I put them on too soon.

There isn't much I find interesting to write about in middle-class life.

I believe we've... we've worked very hard with the Iraqis to build a better place ever since the fall of Saddam's government.

Time and progress are synonymous terms--nothing can stop either. Truth will prevail and that is why I know that my teachings will reach the masses and finally be adopted as universal.

What is this talked-of mystery of birth. But being mounted bareback on the earth?

The worst defect in the world would be to consider yourself free from faults. Being too greatly saddened by one's faults can come from having one's pride humiliated.