The greatest offence against virtue is to speak ill of it.

The love of liberty is the love of others; the love of power is the love of ourselves.

A gentle word, a kind look, a good-natured smile can work wonders and accomplish miracles.

Grace has been defined as the outward expression of the inward harmony of the soul.

Do not keep on with a mockery of friendship after the substance is gone - but part, while you can part friends. Bury the carcass of friendship: it is not worth embalming.

There is no prejudice so strong as that which arises from a fancied exemption from all prejudice.

Those who are at war with others are not at peace with themselves.

The more we do, the more we can do; the more busy we are, the more leisure we have.

Fashion is gentility running away from vulgarity and afraid of being overtaken

I'm not smart, but I like to observe. Millions saw the apple fall, but Newton was the one who asked why.

We are very much what others think of us. The reception our observations meet with gives us courage to proceed, or damps our efforts.

Everything in the universe has a rhythm, everything dances.

He took her into his arms again, using all his strength to be gentle, and let his lips touch hers so lightly he could hardly feel it.

Random acts of kindness show that even amidst the hustle and bustle, Paris inhabitants are more welcoming that their reputation gives them credit for.

Religion to me almost like when God leaves – and people devise a set of rules to fill in the space.

It isn't right to judge strength as better than good wisdom.

The Amish communities of Pennsylvania, despite the retro image of horse-drawn buggies and straw hats, have long been engaged in a productive debate about the consequences of technology.

Hate grows and victors where love is afraid to share its bloom.

When I was awarded a fellowship in poetry by the National Endowment for the Arts (for "Alphabets"), I felt myself suddenly (vaingloriously) equal to my Crow, which would be - I knew at once - Rat.

Writing is seduction. Good talk is part of seduction. If not so, why do so many couples who start the evening at dinner wind up in bed?

My principle is to do whatever is right, and leave consequences to him who has the disposal of them.