acceptance is an art that must be mastered if we want to keep our friends for the span of life that remains to us, and presently step off the stage with our self-respect intact.

I feel I must fight for [my music], because I want women to turn their minds to big and difficult jobs; not just to go on hugging the shore, afraid to put out to sea.

The charms of seclusion are seldom combined with the conveniences of civilization.

crawling about the floor like half-dead November flies is one thing, and dancing reels another.

when I came to know Greek art I instantly understood that excess and perfection are enemies; yet on the other hand this world and the millions of worlds around us live by fire ... !

no one is more trustworthy than the repentant sinner who has been found out.

if you take passionate interest in a subject, it is hard not to believe yourself specially equipped for it.

I can imagine nothing more tiresome than always to speak of people as if they were listening at the door.

the majority of critical, and plenty of uncritical, readers find quotations a bore.

[On golf:] ... though aware I could never be more than a humble potterer, it was impossible to repress the wild upsurgings of hope known to all middle-aged beginners.

Where there's possibility there is also hope.

If you insist on disavowing that which is ugly about what you do, you will never learn from your mistakes.

I don't feel like you should promote personally that you dress nicely.

The yellow Indians do have a meagre talent. The Negroes are far below them, and at the lowest point are a part of the American people.

I've asked our people, "Why don't we just put a revolver on top of our basic loan?" Make it easier for the client.

Political changes and reforms do not usually favor the general populace. They benefit those who are positioned to best organize and advocate for their policies.

I don't want to tell you how to be a prince, but shouldn't you have some bodyguards or something?" "Bodyguards? Who would want to harm a charming guy like me?

Brooklyn has a bit of everything - some of the most beautiful things in America, and some of the most wretched, ugly, impoverished things.

I try to manage my day by my circadian rhythms because the creativity is such an elusive thing, and I could easily just stomp over it doing my administrative stuff.

If we fall, we don't need self-recrimination or blame or anger - we need a reawakening of our intention and a willingness to re-commit, to be whole-hearted once again.