If you want to be respected by others, the great thing is to respect yourself. Only by that, only by self-respect will you compel others to respect you.

Don't be surprised that I value prejudice, observe certain conventions, seek power--it's because I know I live in an empty society.

The only darkness we should allow into our lives is the night, for even then, we have the moon.

One fails forward toward success.

Man like every other animal is by nature indolent. If nothing spurs him on, then he will hardly think, and will behave from habit like an automaton.

An income tax form is like a laundry list - either way you lose your shirt.

The music of this opera (Madame Butterfly) was dictated to me by God. I was merely instrumental in getting it on paper and communicating it to the public.

Writing is not a McDonald's Hamburger.

Everybody that loves freedom loves Harriet Tubman because she was determined not only to be free, but to make free as many people as she could.

Man's yesterday may never be like his morrow; Nought may endure but Mutability.

[Allison Janney] could memorize anything.She would memorize in the makeup trailer!