My books were always full of ink blots, always stained and covered with smeared sketches and pictures, which one draws idly when his attention wanders from his task.

Holy Istanbul! Your name is the most enchanting one of all names which enchants me.

The moon of a bright silver, which dazzles by its shining, illumines a world which surely is no longer ours; for it resembles in nothing what may be seen in other lands.

Egypt, the Egypt of antiquity, at a later time, exercised a mysterious fascination over me. I recognized a picture of it immediately, without hesitation and astonishment, in an illustrated magazine.

My emotions lose their force when I endeavor to interpret them, and my words seem very inept.

Often, before returning home, I would take a long and roundabout way and pass by the peaceful ramparts from where I had glimpses of other provinces, and a sight of the distant country.

My sister and my brother, of whom I have not spoken before, were considerably older than I; it seemed almost as if we belonged to different generations.

I do not exactly remember at what period I started my museum which absorbed so much of my time.

I am surprised that I cannot recall whether my desire to become a minister transformed itself into a wish to lead the more militant life of missionary, by a slow process or suddenly.

Through the study of fossils I had already been initiated into the mysteries of prehistoric creations.

It is with the approach of winter that cats...wear their richest fur and assume an air of sumptuous and delightful opulence.

When you will create peace within yourself, world will be a peaceful place.

The right path and easy path are usually two different things, and when it’s time to choose, always choose the right path over the easy.

The world is a complex place, and the influence of the media in its representation and its power of communication and interpretation is a remarkable amplifier of emotions, and of illusions.

Peace without justice is tyranny.

So, that’s what they wanted: lies. Beautiful lies. That’s what they needed. People were fools. It was going to be easy for me.

If you have a dream, you can spend a lifetime studying, planning, and getting ready for it. What you should be doing is getting started.

Not all human souls but only the pious ones are divine.

I typically get around to most major cities at least once a year. I think people see that as their chance to go nuts for the year if they're into the style of music.

I was an angst-y journal writing kid.

I get such lovely gifts from fans... amazing pictures, handmade jewellery. I'm very lucky!