When the truth offends no one it should come from our lips as naturally as the air we breathe.

Esteem has more engaging charms than friendship, or even love. It captivates hearts better, and never makes ings.

Misers are very kind people: they amass wealth for those who wish their death.

I believe, indeed, that it is more laudable to suffer great misfortunes than to do great things.

Can princes born in palaces be sensible of the misery of those who dwell in cottages?

To believe with certainty, we must begin with doubting.

We are usually mistaken in esteeming men too much; rarely in esteeming them too little.

Gaiety is the soul's health; sadness is its poison.

How many persons fancy they have experience simply because they have grown old!

Genius speaks only to genius.

Conscience warns us as a friend before it punishes us as a judge.

The major work of the world is not done by geniuses. It is done by ordinary people, with balance in their lives, who have learned to work in an extraordinary manner.

Enlightenment is living in the light of cosmic collaboration.

A leader cannot avoid being hated. This hatred is directly proportional to his influence and power. A person who does not wish to be hated should avoid leadership roles.

Also, they don't understand - writing is language. The use of language. The language to create image, the language to create drama. It requires a skill of learning how to use language.

Selection is the invention of the landscape painter.

O woman, perfect woman! what distraction Was meant to mankind when thou wast made a devil!

No matter how many people are screaming your name or how many Number One hits you have, you can still wake up and feel like a loser.

I almost feel like throwing Jimmy into the stove, as the priest in Kulenberg did.

If you are discouraged it is a sign of pride, because it shows you trust in your own powers.

The curse of the intelligentsia is their ability to rationalize and re-define. Ordinary people, lacking that gift, are forced to face reality.