I rejoice in my spine, as in the firm audacious staff of that flag which I fling half out to the world.

It is better to fail in originality than to succeed in imitation.

A smile is the chosen vehicle of all ambiguities.

I am, as I am; whether hideous, or handsome, depends upon who is made judge.

Of all the preposterous assumptions of humanity over humanity, nothing exceeds most of the criticisms made on the habits of the poor by the well-housed, well- warmed, and well-fed.

Dream tonight of peacock tails, Diamond fields and spouter whales. Ills are many, blessing few, But dreams tonight will shelter you.

Toil is man's allotment; toil of brain, or toil of hands, or a grief that's more than either, the grief and sin of idleness.

Meditation and water are wedded for ever.

I love to sail forbidden seas, and land on barbarous coasts.

Aye, aye! and I'll chase him round Good Hope, and round the Horn, and round the Norway Maelstrom, and round perdition's flames before I give him up.

War should be carried on like a monsoon; one changeless determination of every particle towards the one unalterable aim.

Of whom can we think well when it is believed that if nothing bad is done to you, this has been a kindness?

When I finished my term, I thought about running for governor then but decided not to because, frankly, I didn't think I was ready. I wasn't comfortable that I was prepared to do the job.

I can't speak to how Michael [Douglas] approached it in terms of his process.

This President is going to lead us out of this recovery.

Reason flies When following the senses, on clipped wings.

Nobody loves the rat race, but nobody can think of anything else—Satan has us just where he wants us.

Three things trust and cherish well- The horse on which you ride, The beast that guards and watches, And your shield-mate at your side.

I'm a big fan of vampire movies generally and that sort of tradition of characters.

If you wait until there is another case study in your industry, you will be too late!

I'm trying to escape by forming my own kind of world. Basically, I'm trying to encourage others to do the same.