Were I a nightingale, I would act the part of a nightingale; were I a swan, the part of a swan.

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

A busy, vibrant, goal-oriented woman is so much more attractive than a woman who waits around for a man to validate her existence.

One good punch from Rube on me would send the sky into my head and the clouds into my lungs. I just always tried to stay up.

Humor does not rescue us from unhappiness, but enables us to move back from it a little.

Is it not passing brave to be a King and ride in triumph through Persepolis?

I fear that I have not got much to say about Canada, not having seen much; what I got by going to Canada was a cold.

By providing outstanding economic leadership, this country can wage its attack successfully - and can thereby build the foundations of a peaceful world.

I think it's the first idea I ever got about doing something on my own, because it was the first time I have ever really felt the confidence to do it.

No displeasure, even of the dearest friends, can put me off the duty I see clearly in front of me.

Why will I bury you? So that one day I might disturb your grave.

The writer who is a real writer is a rebel who never stops.