We may anticipate bliss, but who ever drank of that enchanted cup unalloved?

True friendship is like sound health; the value of it is seldom known until it is lost.

Nothing more completely baffles one who is full of trick and duplicity himself, than straight forward and simple integrity in another.

The soundest argument will produce no more conviction in an empty head than the most superficial declamation; as a feather and a guinea fall with equal velocity in a vacuum.

The art of declamation has been sinking in value from the moment that speakers were foolish enough to publish, and hearers wise enough to read.

None are so fond of secrets as those who do not mean to keep them; such persons covet secrets as a spendthrift covets money, for the purpose of circulation.

Much may be done in those little shreds and patches of time which every day produces, and which most men throw away.

Let those who would affect singularity with success first determine to be very virtuous, and they will be sure to be very singular.

Atheism is a system which can communicate neither warmth nor illumination, except from those fagots which your mistaken zeal has lighted up for its destruction.

Deliberate with caution, but act with decision and yield with graciousness, or oppose with firmness.

The study of mathematics, like the Nile, begins in minuteness but ends in magnificence.

Fiction is an urgent business. It is the Dying Us telling stories to the Dying Us, trying to crack the nonsense in our heads open with a big hammer pronto, before Death arrives.

Since when has irresponsibility and lack of accountability in public service become a Nigerian factor?

You're always close and you never get that big romantic lead.

If something is important, do it every day; if it's not important, don't do it at all.

Tantra is not for a hedonist at all. It won't work. If you're heavily attracted to sensual experiences, tantra will definitely not be of any use to you.

Teach by example and treat yourself the way you would want your children to treat themselves.

Having a real public outlet is how you imprint something for yourself. It's just a matter of timing. It's like you've marked your territory.

I have always questioned everything: education, the obligation to memorize, authority. Perhaps that is why I have photographed everything.

My studio is right on the ocean, and the sun rises right in my eyes every morning, and the energy of the sea is right there.

The first duty of man is to take none of the principles of conduct upon trust; to do nothing without a clear and individual conviction that it is right to be done.