I never entertained the dreadful thought that my face was anything other than good and fair until, in an act of revelation, I picked up a mirror.

Triumphant hours are the Lark's Who circles skywards from his home each day: World's early riser, with bubbling golden song, Towards the firmament, guardian of April's gate.

If you do not work hard, nothing works.

Those who do not complain are never pitied.

No personal consideration should stand in the way of performing a public duty.

I just realized that I'm just going to be who I am. I don't need to adjust how I look for anyone or even for myself. Even if I have a pimple, I'm not going to cover it up with makeup.

I never intended to be a teacher. I just like going to school and learning things.

Customer satisfaction is worthless. Customer loyalty is priceless.

There is only one thing in life you can control: Your own effort.

I am thrilled when I read about fans using my stories as springboards to read about either the historical characters or the myths and legends in the books.

When a reader finishes a wonderful story and lays it aside, he should have to pause for a minute and collect himself.

The greatest pleasure in life is that of reading while we are young. I have had as much of this pleasure perhaps as any one.