To die at the command of another is to die twice.

From the errors of others, a wise man corrects his own.

Pardon one offence, and you encourage the commission of many.

One ungrateful person does an injury to all needy people.

Let a fool hold his tongue and he will pass for a sage.

Would you have a great empire? Rule over yourself.

Tears gratify a savage nature, they do not melt it.

How unhappy is he who cannot forgive himself.

It matters not what you are thought to be, but what you are.

A tongue prone to slander is the proof of a depraved mind.

Never promise more than you can perform.

When you have left your life, you will be judged not for your possessions but for your contributions.

Liberty will always triumph over fear and fundamentalism. Our desire to be free is greater than their desire to terrorise and our capacity to love far exceeds their capacity to hate.

We had made the error of staying small – and there is no more unforgivable crime in America.

He who trusts himself is lost. He who trusts in God can do all things.

Love and kindness are the basis of my religious beliefs. The rituals and outward signs are not as important as one's actions and deeds. Religion should be a path to God, not something to fight about.

My children's faces are private candles i sometimes worship at.

Remember, vote for life. It may be your own.

I never enjoyed my work more than when I worked with William Powell. He was a brilliant actor, a delightful companion, a great friend and, above all, a true gentleman.

When I was asked to be Writer in Residence at Edinburgh I thought, you can't teach poetry. This is ridiculous.