We seek knowledge only because we desire enjoyment, and it is impossible to conceive why a person who has neither desires nor fears would take the trouble to reason.

The first man, who, after enclosing a piece of ground, took it into his head to say, "This is mine, " and found people simple enough to believe him, was the true founder of civil society.

But in some great souls, who consider themselves as citizens of the world, and forcing the imaginary barriers that separate people from people...

The first sentiment of man was that of his existence, his first care that of preserving it.

The longer the trial to which God subjects you, the greater the goodness in comforting you during the time of the trial and in the exaltation after the combat.

Denial is the lid on our emotional pressure cooker: the longer we leave it on, the more pressure we build up. Sooner or later, that pressure is bound to pop the lid, and we have an emotional crisis.

I just remember I wanted to make my own dynasty and not keep following trends. I wanted to make my own.

I don't wait for inspiration. I get up and write every day.

We want to know what our self is. We are the sky. Our thoughts are the birds that come and go. You can enjoy the birds and their beauty, but it is the sky that lasts.

The life we've been leading couldn't last forever. It's a wonder it lasted as long as it did.

I'm not tied to any particular political line.

I think if the extremists were happy with my films, I'd start to worry.

It's time for us as a country to try to come together in ways that freedom was really meant to be.

The oceans are a way of life. We fish; we sail; we have a robust marine economy.