There are words which sever hearts more than sharp swords; there are words the point of which sting the heart through the course of a whole life.

Gentle feelings produce profoundly beneficial effects upon stern natures. It is the spring rain which melts the ice-covering of the earth, and causes it to open to the beams of heaven.

The humble soul is like the violet, which grows low, hangs the head downward, and hides itself with its own leaves.

Serenity of manners is the zenith of beauty.

If you will learn the seriousness of life, and its beauty also, live for your husband; make him happy.

People seek for the spiritual champagne, but they mistake what it is.

A fly is a very light burden; but if it were perpetually to return and settle on one's nose, it might weary us of our very lives.

The human heart is like heaven; the more angels the more room.

At a certain depth all bosoms communicate, all hearts are one.

These Americans believe that everything is possible.

I have not, in general, much belief in the ability of woman as a creative artist. Unwritten lyrics, as [Ralph Waldo] Emerson said once when we conversed on this subject, should be her forte.

The media network has its idols, but its principal idol is its own style which generates an aura of winning and leaves the rest in darkness. It recognizes neither pity nor pitilessness.

You have the ability to find all the answers--if you let yourself do so.

When you surround yourself with dramatic people, your life will be full of drama.

It must be admitted that there is a degree of instability which is inconsistent with civilization. But, on the whole, the great ages have been unstable ages.

Persistence and discipline. Without those two, you have nothing, no matter how talented you are.

Stalin said artists are the engineers of human souls. I wanted to show what happens to the soul when the engineers get through with it.

Strive for simplicity. You never have to fix what you leave out.

My dream was always to be a composer, but fashion came very easily.

The bishop is a lot like me...just when you think you have me, I'm already behind you.

A garden is to be a world unto itself, it had better make room for the darker shades of feeling as well as the sunny ones.