There is one art of which people should be masters - the art of reflection.

Exclusively of the abstract sciences, the largest and worthiest portion of our knowledge consists of aphorisms: and the greatest and best of men is but an aphorism.

Common sense in an uncommon degree is what the world calls wisdom.

Humor is consistent with pathos, whilst wit is not.

A great mind must be androgynous.

In Xanadu did Kubla Khan A stately pleasure-dome decree: Where Alph, the sacred river, ran Through caverns measureless to man Down to a sunless sea.

That gracious thing, made up of tears and light.

The love of a mother is the veil of a softer light between the heart and the heavenly Father.

Religion is the most gentlemanly thing in the world. It alone will gentilize, if unmixed with cant.

Poor little Foal of an oppressed race! I love the languid patience of thy face.

All Nature seems at work. Slugs leave their lair The bees are stirring, birds are on the wing, And Winter slumbering in the open air, Wears on his smiling face a dream of spring.

Your mind is the key to opening the door of opportunity.

When we were kids I begged cupid to come and shoot me.

I drink to make other people interesting.

A coldly rationalist individualist can deny that he has any obligation to make sacrifices for the future.

I think Hillary Clinton has just got to try to be herself. And she's got to talk about the issues that Americans care about, which is what she's been doing.

No literature is sound, no philosophy of action workable, if it doesn't take a hard look at itself.

Penny said two words, the second of which was "you." Caine laughed. "I think you meant '---- you, Your Highness.

Early Chinese thinkers had taken variety at face value. They had favored diversification and collected anomalies instead of trying to explain them away.

I learned very early on in life that not everyone wants to hear every fact in the world, even if you want to tell them everything you've ever read.

A novelist must preserve a childlike belief in the importance of things which common sense considers of no great consequence.