He who imitates what is evil always goes beyond the example that is set on the contrary he who imitates what is good always falls short.

Since there is nothing so well worth having as friends, never lose a chance to make them.

We fight to great disadvantage when we fight with those who have nothing to lose.

Waste no time with revolutions that do not remove the causes of your complaints but simply change the faces of those in charge.

The return we reap from generous actions is not always evident.

Keep your eye fixed not so much on what they [people] ought in reason to do, as on what they are likely to do based on their disposition and habits.

By numberless examples it will evidently appear that human affairs are as subject to change and fluctuation as the waters of the sea agitated by the winds.

There is nothing so fleeting as the memory of benefits received.

To give vent now and then to his feelings, whether of pleasure or discontent, is a great ease to a man's heart.

Ambition is not in itself an evil; nor is he to be condemned whose spirit prompts him to seek fame by worthy and honourable ways.

Ambassadors are the eye and ear of states.

A man is at his youngest when he thinks he is a man, not yet realizing that his actions must show it.

Heaven prepares good men with crosses; but no ill can happen to a good man.

I wasn't trying to be anything. I was just myself.

... it's simply wrong to always order [kids] to stop that fighting. There are times when one child is simply defending his rights and damned well should be fighting.

I do not wish any reward but to know I have done the right thing.

I've been thinking a lot about Anacortes and what it's like to be here, though I'm not trying to get people to move here - I would hate that.

The ordeal is part of the commitment" Esquire Interview 10/10

It's a total lie to say there's only one person you're going to be with for the rest of your life. If you're lucky - and if you try really hard - there will always be more than one.

A copy of the universe is not what is required of art; one of the damned things is ample.

People are messy; therefore, relationships will be messy. Don't be surprised by messiness.