What we have not has made us what we are. / ... / What we are not drives us to consummation.

We are all jellyfish, too pitiful and too afraid of being disliked to be honest.

Everything that slows us down and forces patience, everything that sets us back into the slow circles of nature, is a help. Gardening is an instrument of grace.

Without darkness, nothing comes to birth, As without light, nothing flowers.

What is destructive is impatience, haste, expecting too much too fast.

We have to dare to be ourselves, however frightening or strange that self may prove to be.

The minute one utters a certainty, the opposite comes to mind.

The most valuable thing we can do for the psyche, occasionally, is to let it rest, wander, live in the changing light of room, not try to be or do anything whatever.

There are some griefs so loud/They could bring down the sky/And there are griefs so still/None knows how deep they lie.

A house that does not have one warm, comfy chair in it is soulless.

It is, I assume, quite easy to wither into old age, and hard to grow into it.

The written word is what distinguishes us from all other animal life forms on this earth.

Love me or hate me, both are in my favour. If you love me, I will always be in your heart, and if you hate me, I will be in your mind.

The humblest occupation has in it materials of discipline for the highest heaven.

Our public schools began as ministries of the church; now it is time to return them to the Lord.

Always take one last look in a full-length mirror before leaving the house.

I think that all the silence is worse than all the violence

No competence is required to be a scarecrow!

My father has been by my side since I was little. He takes care of things, my finances and my family.

to understand our love they'd have to turn the world upside down

So when you enjoy the beats, the rock music - maybe even toned down with an orchestra - you are enjoying the spirit of the black race. And that's what I emphasize to the students.