Survey and test a prospective action before undertaking it. Before you proceed, step back and look at the big picture, lest you act rashly on raw impulse.

It is impossible for a man to learn what he thinks he already knows.

Any person capable of angering you becomes your master.

Don't be concerned with other people's impressions of you. They are dazzled and deluded by appearances. Stick with your purpose. This alone will strengthen your will and give your life coherence.

There is only one way to happiness and that is to cease worrying about things which are beyond the power of our will.

When you are offended at any man's fault, turn to yourself and study your own failings. Then you will forget your anger.

I have to die. If it is now, well then I die now; if later, then now I will take my lunch, since the hour for lunch has arrived - and dying I will tend to later.

From this instant on, vow to stop disappointing yourself. Separate yourself from the mob. Decide to be extraordinary and do what you need to do -- now.

Keep your attention focused entirely on what is truly your own concern, and be clear that what belongs to others is their business and none of yours.

Don't explain your philosophy. Embody it.

If someone speaks badly of you, do not defend yourself against the accusations, but reply; "you obviously don't know about my other vices, otherwise you would have mentioned these as well

A long healthy life is no accident. It begins with good genes, but it also depends on good habits.

I love playing football, being out on the pitch with a ball, and I will be a little sad when that ends.

I'm named after Jane Austen's Emma, and I've always been able to relate to her. She's strong, confident but quite tactless.

I have built my life to pursue the new. I don't have family, don't know many people and I am usually ready to leave within an hour.

There may be occasions when it is best to behave irrationally, but whether there are should be decided rationally.

We do not know what we want and yet we are responsible for what we are - that is the fact.

In the spider-web of facts, many a truth is strangled.

By the time I was 12 or 13, I felt that I was special, because I could play the guitar and write songs.

I'm very lucky. I had a great childhood.

Well, being a jazz musician is not a rose garden!