I've got a penny-ante talent, out of which I try to drum up a living for myself. And what nobody seems to realize is that it's just as difficult to get a bad idea as a good one.

Most people are so busy knocking themselves out trying to do everything they think they should, they never get around to do what they want to do.

The only genius that's worth anything is the genius for hard work.

Charm is the ability to make someone else think that both of you are pretty wonderful.

There's an old press-agents' slogan that's good advice: Don't read your publicity - weigh it.

I think Americans love success - but hate the people who have it.

the end of anything is a relief. In every relationship, even the most valuable, there are certain unpleasant tensions - and the ending of it snaps those taut inner wires.

War makes strangers bedfellows.

Half the joys and half the sorrows of this world are discovered in bed.

Everything matters, but nothing matters very much.

There's one thing I've always known: You can let people suspect anything else about you, but you must never let them suspect you of knowing what you're doing.

A person must earn enlightenment, Eragon. It is not handed down to you by others, regardless of how revered they be.

Do not try to be humble: learn humility.

How should they know? I can't revealto a single friend what my soul conceals, whom I'm in love with or what I believe -my dreams, my thoughts - or why I grieve.

Never deprecate another person's sufferings even when imaginary.

Spread the message of peace to become a pigeon carrying peace everywhere.

Don't be afraid to make a mistake your readers might like it.

I don't have famous neighbours and if I did, I'd avoid them. I don't live the jet-set.

Forgiveness is the path to healing.

You will know you're old when you cease to be amazed.

I speak the password primeval; I give the sign of democracy.