The first proof of a well-ordered mind is to be able to pause and linger within itself.

It is not because things are difficult that we do not dare; it is because we do not dare that things are difficult

A sword by itself does not slay; it is merely the weapon used by the slayer.

The important thing about a problem is not its solution, but the strength we gain in finding the solution

Don't stumble over something behind you.

We become wiser by adversity; prosperity destroys our appreciation of the right.

Great men rejoice in adversity, just as brave soldiers triumph in war.

When an author is too meticulous about his style, you may presume that his mind is frivolous and his content flimsy.

There in no one more unfortunate than the man who has never been unfortunate. for it has never been in his power to try himself.

It's all in your headJ you have the power to make things seem hard or easy or even amusing. The choice is yours.

Death is the wish of some, the relief of many, and the end of all.

Gillard is as likeable as Rudd is charmless. She is self-deprecating

Your this beautiful ship that will sail a long way, and I'd only be your anchor""A ship without an anchor can never be at rest

No matter how well things are going, failure and disaster are just around the corner. So celebrate the good, but be ready for the bad.

Cambridge is thriving and Britain is working. We have been telling people - 'if you value it, vote for it' - and this is particularly relevant in Cambridge.

Poetry is probably the last gift economy. Part of the negotiation is to understand that you're going to do something you really want to do, so you're going to take whatever life comes with that.

It is not the objective proof of God's existence that we want but the experience of God's presence. That is the miracle we are really after, and that is also, I think, the miracle that we really get.

Perfectionism is a perpetual flight into an illusory future that cannot be attained.

I just love making music. I always stay in the studio. Making music is my main focus.

I wanted it to be kind of dreamy and 1920s, when everything is soft-focus.

The writing is always the easy part, provided I can get the good material. It's the getting of the good material that's a challenge.