....there is no end to observations on the difference between the measures likely to be pursued by a minister backed by a standing army, and those of a court awed by the fear of an armed people.

If you would not have affliction visit you twice, listen at once to what it teaches.

No Kingdom can be secured otherwise than by arming the people. The possession of arms is the distinction between a freeman and a slave.

In prosperity prepare for a change; in adversity hope for one.

All lawful authority, legislative, and executive, originates from the people.

In disputes upon moral or scientific points, ever let your aim be to come at truth, not to conquer your opponent. So you never shall be at a loss in losing the argument, and gaining a new discovery.

If a favour is asked of you, grant it if you can. If not, refuse it in such a manner as that one denial may be sufficient.

If you have a friend that will reprove your faults and foibles, consider you enjoy a blessing which the king upon the throne cannot have.

Yesterday for contemplation, today for action.

If you would not have affliction visit you twice listen at once to what it teaches.

The mind is a poetic meadow for reification, where dark and light things are created

I have learned this: it is not what one does that is wrong, but what one becomes as a consequence of it.

Nobody stopped believing that other people were more guilty than they were. Why do people have so much trouble seeing their own faults but such an easy time seeing everyone else's?

If it doesn't seem like I'm working hard sometimes, that's someone else's problem.

Only a fool or a fraud talks tough or romantically about war.

All creative art is magic, is evocation of the unseen in forms persuasive, enlightening, familiar and surprising.

What would make me happiest is if kids read these books [Bink & Gollie] and think: there is so much to love in the world; and words are so much fun.

Lasting happiness starts with one question...what can I celebrate?

Books were like old friends, with their worn covers and well-thumbed pages.

I have no regrets at all. I have done quite well for myself. I didn't have a conventional face, but I have done well, and I am proud of it.