We never could clearly understand how it is that egotism, so unpopular in conversation, should be so popular in writing.

The measure of a man's real character is what he would do if he knew he would never be found out.

To sum up the whole, we should say that the aim of the Platonic philosophy was to exalt man into a god.

It is possible to be below flattery as well as above it. One who trusts nobody will not trust sycophants. One who does not value real glory will not value its counterfeit.

Finesse is the best adaptation of means to circumstances.

People crushed by law have no hopes but from power. If laws are their enemies, they will be enemies to laws.

I would rather be poor in a cottage full of books than a king without the desire to read.

The Puritan hated bear-baiting, not because it gave pain to the bear, but because it gave pleasure to the spectators.

Ye diners out from whom we guard our spoons.

Nothing is so galling to a people not broken in from birth as a paternal, or, in other words, a meddling government, a government which tells them what to read, and say, and eat, and drink and wear.

Your Constitution is all sail and no anchor.

Life sucks, then you die. Then it sucks again.

Night was fading over the fields as if the rain had washed the darkness out of the hem of its garment.

I don't really read reviews and comments that much. There just isn't a lot to be gained from it.

When you're that tall, people talk about it all the time.

The purpose of Art is to create enthusiasm.

You have different people who come into your life and they affect you in a way and leave an impact on you. Whether it's projects or friends or directors, it's just an opportunity that people give me.

A man of purpose focuses on his destination, not his situation. Don't let your situation mislead you!

I write against violence. I write against fascism. I write against one person dominating another.

I don't fear death because I believe it is a transition. Our souls can't be destroyed. I know we are going to live in another life.

Some days in late August at home are like this, the air thin and eager like this, with something in it sad and nostalgic and familiar.