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

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.

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.

The only bridge I've ever burned along this legacy I dance is the one that linked the cities of prosperity and chance.

How inferior the human machine is, compared to man-made machines. They can be decoked, unscrewed, oiled and parts replaced. Decidedly, nature is not a very wonderful thing.

Growing older is mandatory, but growing up is optional.

Every July, I look forward to taping a Christmas show - in July in Nashville. In 98-degree weather. I love it.

Love is supposed to bring you peace and happiness. If you are not feeling this in a relationship, you are living an illusion.

Poetry is an investigation, not an expression, of what you know.

No burden is so heavy for a man to bear as a succession of happy days.

Following the devastation of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, $3 per gallon gasoline became common and our nation has come under considerable strain.

We are all bastards but God loves us anyway.

If we haven't a grouch against Fortune, we seem unable to avoid one against ourselves.