Two principles we should always have ready — that there is nothing good or evil save in the will; and that we are not to lead events, but to follow them.

It is impossible for a man to learn what he thinks he already knows.

Any person capable of angering you becomes your master.

Don't be concerned with other people's impressions of you. They are dazzled and deluded by appearances. Stick with your purpose. This alone will strengthen your will and give your life coherence.

There is only one way to happiness and that is to cease worrying about things which are beyond the power of our will.

When you are offended at any man's fault, turn to yourself and study your own failings. Then you will forget your anger.

I have to die. If it is now, well then I die now; if later, then now I will take my lunch, since the hour for lunch has arrived - and dying I will tend to later.

From this instant on, vow to stop disappointing yourself. Separate yourself from the mob. Decide to be extraordinary and do what you need to do -- now.

Keep your attention focused entirely on what is truly your own concern, and be clear that what belongs to others is their business and none of yours.

Don't explain your philosophy. Embody it.

If someone speaks badly of you, do not defend yourself against the accusations, but reply; "you obviously don't know about my other vices, otherwise you would have mentioned these as well

I can still bring into my body the joy I felt at seeing the first trillium of spring, which seemed to be telling me, "Never give up hope, spring will come.

We deny the parts of ourselves that we deem unacceptable rather than accepting the fact that we're all less than perfect.

The world is like a book and those who do not travel read only one page.

Laughter is the best medicine, y'know, besides medicine.

True faith will always show itself by its fruits . . . I suspect that, with rare exceptions, men die just as they have lived.

To understand bad taste one must have very good taste.

Although I'm not particularly troubled myself, I do have a lot of empathy for troubled characters.

How do I respond to criticism? Critically. I listen to all criticism critically.

Reflection and action must never be undertaken independently.

Creativity is innate and it manifests itself in so many forms. It needs to come out somehow or it destroys you in some way.