When you want to hear a philosopher, do not say, 'You say nothing to me'; only show yourself worthy or fit to hear, and then you will see how you will move the speaker.

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

If you behaved nicely, the communists wouldn't exist.

Her thought encased in a cocoon of desire. She allows the streams of sunlight to warm the core of her being while she waits for metamorphous.

I tremble for my country when I reflect that God is just.

I wasn't interested in writing music that wasn't beautiful for me to listen to.

In the past, I've visited remote places - North Korea, Ethiopia, Easter Island - partly as a way to visit remote states of mind: remote parts of myself that I wouldn't ordinarily explore.

The perfect critic is one ... that sees with the eyes of posterity.

The best buy by way of management is brains-at any price.

If only I knew what I wanted I could try to see about getting it.

Most people can do absolutely awe-inspiring things. Sometimes they just need a little nudge.

Give all thou canst; high Heaven rejects the lore of nicely-caluculated less or more.