One of the principal functions of a friend is to suffer (in a milder and symbolic form) the punishments that we should like, but are unable, to inflict upon our enemies.

One believes things because one has been conditioned to believe them.

Words can be like X-rays if you use them properly -- they’ll go through anything. You read and you’re pierced.

Great is truth, but still greater, from a practical point of view, is silence about truth.

No social stability without individual stability.

Back to culture. Yes, actually to culture. You can’t consume much if you sit still and read books.

If one's different, one's bound to be lonely.

I want to know what passion is. I want to feel something strongly.

The greater a man's talents, the greater his power to lead astray.

De Sade is the one completely consistent and thoroughgoing revolutionary of history.

Generalities are intellectually necessary evils.

Believe in your character. Animate (or write) with sincerity.

The greatest act of courage is to be and to own all of who you are — without apology, without excuses, without masks to cover the truth of who you are.

God’s holiness demands that sin be punished—but God’s love has provided the way of redemption through Christ.

Our Hispanic community needs to understand how important the Social Security system is for not only its retired citizens, but also its disabled workers.

And while some healing does happen, it isn't a healing of redemption or epiphany. It's more like the slow absorption of a bruise.

Begin by instructing yourself, then you will receive instruction from others.

I am writing a book and that takes third place of importance.

I've been quite lucky - everything I've done has been quite varied.

Things don't happen to us. They happen for us.

If we are not most careful with our thoughts and speech, the words we use will use us. Language has its own ethics, and one who communicates truth is like a bright light in the darkness.