He was a stylist, not a thinker. He spent time trying to say things in as complicated a way as possible.

Foreign policy often involved nothing more than the decision whom to make war upon.

The way to a landowner's heart was to tax gently.

The cornerstone of the Roman legionnaires' astonishing fighting spirit can be attributed to their training.

The factor that made him so powerful was also his greatest liability.

With ancient history writers most immediately in view, the author indicates "tendency to look to the virtues and vices of individuals when seeking causes.

Author describes one monarch's impressive table but conveys a contemporary's observation, "the weightiest thing at dinner was the conversation".

Never base motivation or fear, entirely.

Reality confounds image.

How do you go on, when in your heart you begin to understand... there is no going back? There are some things that time cannot mend. Some hurts that go too deep.

Each bump or challenge in our intimate connections offers us a perfect opportunity to deepen our level of intimacy, while allowing us to grow and evolve both individually and together.

No one has ever died of restlessness, but rashness is another matter. We've planted seeds, let them grow.

Outlawed, but not alone, for Love Is outlawed, too. You cannot banish us, proud world: We banish you.

I tend to be naive and gullible, I guess, but I try to believe that governments believe what they say.

Hip-hop is mostly what I listen to, other than jazz. I've given up on pop music and indie rock.

The pure and simple truth Is rarely pure and never simple. What's a boy to do When lies and truth are both sinful?

Jesus' response to suffering people and to "nobodies" provides a glimpse into the heart of God. God is not the unmoved Absolute, but rather the Loving One who draws near.

I will ride my luck on occasion, but I like to pick the occasion.

So much work went into this book [ "The Thorn & The Blossom"] - you can probably tell from looking at the art and overall design.