Just as the performance of the vilest and most wicked deeds requires spirit and talent, so even the greatest demand a certain insensitivity which under other circumstances we would call stupidity.

The Greeks possessed a knowledge of human nature we seem hardly able to attain to without passing through the strengthening hibernation of a new barbarism.

One might call habit a moral friction: something that prevents the mind from gliding over things but connects it with them and makes it hard for it to free itself from them.

Erudition can produce foliage without bearing fruit.

There exists a species of transcendental ventriloquism by means of which men can be made to believe that something said on earth comes from Heaven.

If there were only turnips and potatoes in the world, someone would complain that plants grow the wrong way.

Many things about our bodies would not seem to us so filthy and obscene if we did not have the idea of nobility in our heads.

To read means to borrow; to create out of one s readings is paying off one's debts.

Once we know our weaknesses they cease to do us any harm.

He who understands the wise is wise already.

Man loves company - even if it is only that of a small burning candle.

We took our food order to go, in greasy paper bags, and walked across Columbus Circle to Central Park. He helped me up the giant prehistoric-looking rock just off the playground.

France had shown a light to all men, preached a Gospel, all men's good; Celtic Demos rose a Demon, shriek'd and slaked the light with blood.

It doesn't cost anything more to be nice.

I don't even own a TV because I think it's the devil.

Feels right to have a woman follow President Obama, doesn't it?

Every fight is a food fight when youre a cannibal.

When had Eden grown up? I feel like I blinked and missed it.

Simplified spelling is all right, but, like chastity, you can carry it too far.

I pretty much got busted for everything, but I definitely stretched out my boundaries as a kid, as well.

When asked to borrow money: "I'll see what my lawyer says. . . . And if he says yes, I'll get another lawyer.