One event makes another. What we anticipate seldom occurs; what we least expected generally happens; and time can only prove which is most for our advantage.

Never apologize for showing feeling. When you do so, you apologize for the truth.

The secret of success is constancy of purpose.

Cleanliness and order are not matters of instinct; they are matters of education, and like most great things, you must cultivate a taste for them.

Nurture your mind with great thoughts, for you will never go any higher than you think.

Action may not always bring happiness; but there is no happiness without action.

Courage is fire, and bullying is smoke.

One secret of success in life is for a man to be ready for his opportunity when it comes.

Time is precious, but truth is more precious than time.

Never complain and never explain.

Finality is not the language of politics.

A gentleman ... sleeps at his work. That's what work's for. Why do you think they have the SILENCE notices in the library? So as not to disturb me in my little nook behind the biography shelves.

I really, deeply believe in the primacy of character. I believe that my job as a writer is to put a believable human being on a page.

I am sure everyone here has noticed a city where they felt at home, or a city that had “bad vibes.”

People on a mission are unstoppable. God bless them for it. It would be a poorer, more miserable world without them.

Imagination is not a talent of some men but is the health of every man.

You always want to feel you're not the only one going through something unpleasant.

I said, “I just want to know you and then disappear.” She said, “Knowing me does not mean dying.

I could work 24 hours and I wouldn't complain once because I'm happiest when I'm working.

Here is neither want of appetite nor mouths, Pray heaven we be not scant of meat or mirth.

It's very important for cities all around the world to reinvent themselves, and Glasgow is a good example of that. The Scots are very nice. I don't think they are burdened by their history.