Those who assume a character which does not belong to them, only make themselves ridiculous.

It is not only fine feathers that make fine birds.

United we stand, divided we fall.

Every truth has two sides; it is as well to look at both, before we commit ourselves to either.

Better be wise by the misfortunes of others than by your own.

There's smoke in my iris, but I painted a sunny day on the insides of my eyelids

A doubtful friend is worse than a certain enemy. Let a man be one thing or the other, and we then know how to meet him.

We hang the petty thieves and appoint the great ones to public office.

No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.

The little reed, bending to the force of the wind, soon stood upright again when the storm had passed over.

It is thrifty to prepare today for the wants of tomorrow.

Is that the secret meaning of the word story, do you think: a storing place of memories?

I think it is going to be very difficult for any church that still calls itself a church, never to try and convince someone that their religion is the best one.

I think audiences definitely respond to people who are not living the perfect lives. The flawed characters, the people who are struggling. The antiheroes - people like to see that a lot more.

When I really young yet feeling very old, I offered up a lot of myself to the press; I knew it was good copy.

You can be standing right in front of the truth and not necessarily see it, and people only get it when they're ready to get it.

The beauty of sorrow is superior to the beauty of life.

Man, be he who he may, experiences a last piece of good fortune and a last day. [Ger., Der Mensch erfahrt, er sei auch wer er mag, Ein letztes Gluck und einen letzten Tag.]

Nell was not one for friends and had never hidden her distaste for most other humans, their neurotic compulsion for the acquisition of allies.

Ecstasy is a drug so powerful, it makes white people think they can dance.

Never discuss the poem you contemplate writing. It's like turning on the outside spigot. It takes all the pressure off the upstairs bathroom.