The measure of a man's life is the well spending of it, and not the length.

I don't need a friend who changes when I change and who nods when I nod; my shadow does that much better.

The mind is not a vessel to be filled but a fire to be kindled.

An imbalance between rich and poor is the oldest and most fatal ailment of all republics.

When Demosthenes was asked what was the first part of Oratory, he answered, "Action," and which was the second, he replied, "action," and which was the third, he still answered "Action.

Know how to listen, and you will profit even from those who talk badly.

The real destroyer of the liberties of the people is he who spreads among them bounties, donations and benefits.

Barba non facit philosophum

To make no mistakes is not in the power of man; but from their errors and mistakes the wise and good learn wisdom for the future.

Time is the wisest of all counselors.

No beast is more savage than man when possessed with power answerable to his rage.

If I am worth anything later, I am worth something now. For wheat is wheat, even if people think it is a grass in the beginning.

Many solemn nights Blond moon, we stand and marvel...Sleeping our noons away

Two things make smart men stupid, beautiful women and sports

Where there is the tree of knowledge, there is always Paradise: so say the most ancient and most modern serpents.

Probably my worst quality is that I get very passionate about what I think is right.

In the Koran, the first thing God said to Muhammed was 'Read.

Early in my business career I learned the folly of worrying about anything. I have always worked as hard as I could, but when a thing went wrong and could not be righted, I dismissed it from my mind.

'The End of America' details the 10 steps that would-be dictators always take in seeking to close an open society; it argued that the Bush administration had been advancing each one.

When I'm not working, I like to be comfortable. I do like to dress smart, but comfort is important.

Many of my poems try to use a comic element to reach a place that isn't comic at all. The comic element works as a surprise. It is unexpected and energizing.