That which we acquire with the most difficulty we retain the longest; as those who have earned a fortune are usually more careful of it than those who have inherited one.

True friendship is like sound health; the value of it is seldom known until it is lost.

Nothing more completely baffles one who is full of trick and duplicity himself, than straight forward and simple integrity in another.

The soundest argument will produce no more conviction in an empty head than the most superficial declamation; as a feather and a guinea fall with equal velocity in a vacuum.

The art of declamation has been sinking in value from the moment that speakers were foolish enough to publish, and hearers wise enough to read.

None are so fond of secrets as those who do not mean to keep them; such persons covet secrets as a spendthrift covets money, for the purpose of circulation.

Much may be done in those little shreds and patches of time which every day produces, and which most men throw away.

Let those who would affect singularity with success first determine to be very virtuous, and they will be sure to be very singular.

Atheism is a system which can communicate neither warmth nor illumination, except from those fagots which your mistaken zeal has lighted up for its destruction.

Deliberate with caution, but act with decision and yield with graciousness, or oppose with firmness.

The study of mathematics, like the Nile, begins in minuteness but ends in magnificence.

The best advice I've ever received is, 'No one else knows what they're doing either.

A hopeless man sees difficulties in every chance, but a hopeful person sees chances in every difficulty.

Somebody thinking that they can make noise intimidate me is comical.

Polanski was very precise. I think he still is.

There is no need for the street lights in the Street of Love; all is already bright in there!

Because confidence is like respect; you have to earn it.

When spiritualism dawned, suddenly women who wanted to engage in the civic and religious and political culture were becoming transmediums.

Christmas cards ... are technically only junk mail from people you know.

There was a period in my life where I went out a lot and I had a really good time. But that period is over.

Prayer is awe before an infinite force, and yet it's intimacy with a personal friend.