True felicity consists of its own consciousness.

The most civilized people are as near to barbarism as the most polished steel is to rust. Nations, like metals, have only a superficial brilliancy.

Man spends his life in reasoning on the past, in complaining of the present, in fearing future.

It is the dim haze of mystery that adds enchantment to pursuit.

Of every ten persons who talk about you, nine will say something bad, and the tenth will say something good in a bad way.

The absolute ruler may be a Nero, but he is sometimes a Titus or Marc Aurelius; the people is often Nero, but never Marc Aurelius.

To lose one's self in reverie, one must be either very happy, or very unhappy. Reverie is the child of extremes.

Gold like the sun, which melts wax, but hardens clay, expands great souls.

The only thing wealth does for some people is to make them worry about losing it.

The modest man has everything to gain, and the arrogant man everything to lose; for modesty has always to deal with generosity, and arrogance with envy.

Opinions, theories, and systems pass by turns over the grindstone of time, which at first gives them brilliancy and sharpness, but finally wears them out.

A lot of people notice when you succeed they don’t see what it takes to get there.

With peace of being, you can overcome any pain.

The parched soil of fear needs steady rain.

Be careful! If the opinion of others is your gauge, then it is also your goal. If you concern yourself with what others think, then you can only go as far as others think. You're better than that!

You're only as good as your last haircut.

All's the government should do is keep the taxes and regulations at a manageable rate, keep a decent standing army and get out of the way.

We pass now quickly from each other's sight; but I know full well that where beyond these passing scenes you shall be, there will be Heaven.

To get people emotionally involved in something intellectual and political is important.

Trust me. A storm is brewing inside this cool cat now. She'll gradually break down and you'll see what's behind the clouds.

I'd rather be just a Korean musician as opposed to, you know, a K-Pop musician.