A tale from which pieces have been raked out is like a fire that has been poked. One does not know the operation has been performed, but everyone feels the effect.

Beware of overconcern for money, or position, or glory. Someday you will meet a man who cares for none of these things. Then you will know how poor you are.

I keep six honest serving men (they taught me all i knew); Theirs names are What and Why and When And How And Where and Who.

A man can never have too much red wine, too many books, or too much ammunition

Of all the liars in the world, sometimes the worst are our own fears.

This is a brief life, but in its brevity it offers us some splendid moments, some meaningful adventures.

If you can keep your wits about you while all others are losing theirs, and blaming you. The world will be yours and everything in it, what's more, you'll be a man, my son.

I am by nature a dealer in words, and words are the most powerful drug known to humanity.

The silliest woman can manage a clever man; but it needs a very clever woman to manage a fool.

There is no sin so great as ignorance. Remember this.

Never look backwards or you'll fall down the stairs.

Making a dream into reality begins with what you have, not with what you are waiting on.

When someone finds his or her mind is not free or in mental bondage, such a person might as well not be free physically.

In the stillness of headstones, Darkness is my blanket.And forever is my song.In the arms if stone angels, I'm not afraid.Because finally and completely, I belong.

England are learning to walk before they can run with their feet nailed firmly to the ground.

We Shall Build Good Ships Here; At A Profit If We Can, At A Loss If We Must, But Always Good Ships.

I was a supporter and believer in the death penalty, but I've begun to see that this system doesn't work and it isn't functional. It costs an obscene amount of money.

There's never one "ding-dong" moment.You never know for sure if you're doing the right thing. Things don't end all at once.

Altruism is for those who cannot endure their desires.

For me, when you have to prepare to play God, and then walking away from that, you realize just how tough God's job is. I don't want that job.

'Pastoralia' by George Saunders is one of my favorite novels.