[H]istory is a melodrama on the theme of parasitism, characterized by scenes that are exciting or dull, as the case may be, and many a sudden stagetrick.

Degenerates are not always criminals, prostitutes, anarchists and pronounced lunatics; they are often authors and artists

If I despised myself, it would be no compensation if everyone saluted me, and if I respect myself, it does not trouble me if others hold me lightly.

The artist writes, paints, sings or dances the burden of some idea or feeling off his mind.

The first condition a community should set, if it aspires to be a nation, is to own the land whereon it lives, and supply its own needs.

It is well to be alone. It fertilizes the creative impulse.

A library is like an island in the middle of a vast sea of ignorance, particularly if the library is very tall and the surrounding area has been flooded.

Tantalus made a wild grab, but the marshmallow committed suicide, diving into the flames.

People don't think when they're enjoying themselves. Thinking is a sign of disturbance.

And to this day, my Mom is my role model.

How wicked, my brothers, innocent milk must always seem to me now.

Vulnerability is not knowing victory or defeat, it’s understanding the necessity of both; it’s engaging. It’s being all in.

Each of us is a tiny being, permitted to ride on the outermost skin of one of the smaller planets for a few dozen trips around the local star.

Our children are our greatest resource and Head Start grants help them reach their full potential.

I must rebel against the idea that millions of Indians, who were Hindus, the other day, changed their nationality on adopting Islam as their religion.

The publishing of a book is a worldwide event. The attempt to suppress a book is a worldwide event.