Scholars are those who have read in books, but thinkers, men of genius, world-enlighteners, and reformers of the human race are those who have read directly in the book of the world.

All truth passes through three stages. First, it is ridiculed. Second, it is violently opposed. Third, it is accepted as being self-evident.

It is difficult to find happiness within oneself, but it is impossible to find it anywhere else.

The majority of men... are not capable of thinking, but only of believing, and... are not accessible to reason, but only to authority.

Talent hits a target no one else can hit; Genius hits a target no one else can see.

A man can be himself only so long as he is alone; and if he does not love solitude, he will not love freedom; for it is only when he is alone that he is really free.

Man is the only animal who causes pain to others with no other object than wanting to do so.

Genius and madness have something in common: both live in a world that is different from that which exists for everyone else.

A pessimist is an optimist in full possession of the facts.

Religions are like fireflies. They require darkness in order to shine.

Nature shows that with the growth of intelligence comes increased capacity for pain, and it is only with the highest degree of intelligence that suffering reaches its supreme point.

Pain is mostly mind over matter: if you don't mind, it doesn't matter.

Belief in God means Believe yourself, and you know who God is!

If I made it it's half because I was game enough to take a lot of punishment along the way and half because there were a lot of people who cared enough to help me.

There is no country in the world where the Christian religion retains a greater influence over the souls of men than in America.

Or perhaps it is just that desire lies at the heart of human existence. When we turn away from one desire, we must find another to cleave to with all our strength --or else we die.

In my school, people liked the gym teachers because they were the football or soccer coaches. But look, if they're cool, they get respect.

The government, both state and federal, has a duty to be reasonable and accommodating.

I love being a mom. Being a mother is my favorite thing ever.

If you're stupid and you're arrogant, you're going to get hurt.

A flower does not think of competing to the flower next to it. It just blooms.