Life is not governed by will or intention. Life is a question of nerves, and fibers, and slowly built-up cells in which thought hides itself, and passion has its dreams.
Art for art's sake.
What is instinct? It is the natural tendency in one when filled with dismay to turn to his wife.
Even a small star shines in the darkness.
God requires a faithful fulfillment of the merest trifle given us to do, rather than the most ardent aspiration to things to which we are not called.
In the field of world policy I would dedicate this nation to the policy of the good neighbor.
I have tried lately to read Shakespeare, and found it so intolerably dull that it nauseated me.
Doubts and mistrust are the mere panic of timid imagination, which the steadfast heart will conquer, and the large mind transcend.
All things whatsoever ye wou'd that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.
There are but two ways of rising in the world: either by one's own industry or profiting by the foolishness of others.
Five years from now you will be pretty much the same as you are today except for two things: the books you read and the people you get close to.
It is easier to forgive an enemy than a friend.
Grass is the forgiveness of nature - her constant benediction. Forests decay, harvests perish, flowers vanish, but grass is immortal.
No thoroughly occupied man was ever yet very miserable.
Doubt is a necessity of the mind, faith of the heart.
If you would have a faithful servant, and one that you like, serve yourself.
The immature mind hops from one thing to another; the mature mind seeks to follow through.
No wonder can last more than three days.
I refuse to try to explain everything, because if you know too much about yourself, you become impotent. Better not to know what it is that makes you tick.
I am a man More sinn'd against than sinning.