The proper work of man, the grand drift of human life, is to follow reason, that noble spark kindled in us from heaven.

I pass by that it is very culpable to be facetious in obscene and smutty matters.

Generosity is nothing more seen than in a candid estimation of other men's virtues and good qualities.

Nothing of worth or weight can be achieved with half a mind, with a faint heart, and with a lame endeavor.

Smiling always with a never fading serenity of countenance, and flourishing in an immortal youth.

It is commonly said that revenge is sweet, but to a calm and considerate mind, patience and forgiveness are sweeter.

The reading of books, what is it but conversing with the wisest men of all ages and all countries.

Mathematics - the unshaken Foundation of Sciences, and the plentiful Fountain of Advantage to human affairs.

Upright simplicity is the deepest wisdom, and perverse craft the merest shallowness.

Every ear is tickled with the sweet music of applause.

He who loveth a book will never want a faithful friend, a wholesome counsellor, a cheerful companion, or an effectual comforter.

I live my life in growing orbits which move out over the things of the world.

I have written a raucous valentine to a poet's dream and agony.

A personal belief is that if you're not personally invested in what you're working on, you'll fail.

A guilty conscience is the mother of invention.

Capitalism is a pretty brutal place.

I always loved that old song Banks of the Ohio - it was always such a man's song, so I've always wanted to record it.

I suppose because our hearts are made in a certain way we cannot help being what we are.

I create by feeling rather than by intellectualizing.

Run often. Run long. But never outrun your joy of running.

I'm not sure a world run by women would be any better. They're human beings!