Ignorant people always suppose that popular writers are wonderfully well-paid - and must be making rapid fortunes - because they neither starve in garrets, nor wear rags - at least in America.

If a person begins by telling you, 'Do not be offended at what I am going to say,' prepare yourself for something that she knows will certainly offend you.

Gratitude is a very pleasant sensation, both for those who feel and to those who excite it. No one who confers a favor can say with truth that they 'want no thanks.' They always do.

Flattery is praise without foundation.

Avoid giving invitations to bores - they will come without.

When you see persons slip down on the ice, do not laugh at them. ... It is more feminine on witnessing such a sight, to utter an involuntary scream than a shout of laughter.

Spiritual Practice involves being constantly aware

Many become brave when brought to bag.

If 'The Hobbit' happens - and there's reason to believe that it will - then I think I'm in with a chance! Gollum is very much part of 'The Hobbit, ' after all.

Fighting in the air is not sport. It is scientific murder.

Part of you wants to look over at the people watching and say, "Not bad, huh? Me and Clint Eastwood." But you have to get past that and just be an actor.

Birth is a dream, spontaneous and innate. Death, on the other hand, is a slow, false, divine calamity. It is like love.

All reformers, however strict their social conscience, live in houses just as big as they can pay for.

It is impossible for anyone to be responsible for another person's behavior. The most you or any leader can do is to encourage each one to be responsible for himself.

O, Life! how pleasant is thy morning, Young Fancy's rays the hills adorning! Cold pausing Caution's lesson scorning, We frisk away, Like schoolboys, at the expected warning, To joy and play.

I don't have a driving desire to be all encompassing and world powerful or anything.