I said to myself that I shall try to make my life like an open fireplace, so that people may be warmed and cheered by it and so go out themselves to warm and cheer.

In this life we get only those things for which we hunt, for which we strive, and for which we are willing to sacrifice.

It is a great thing to have a big brain, a fertile imagination, grand ideals, but the man with these, bereft of a good backbone, is sure to serve no useful end.

Keep out of your mind, and out of your office, and out of your world, every element that seeks admittance with no definite, helpful, useful end in view.

Each day can be one of triumph if you keep up your interests.

He who does not get fun and enjoyment out of every day...needs to reorganize his life

We can accomplish almost anything within our ability if we but think we can.

What you think means more than anything else in your life. More than what you earn, more than where you live, more than your social position, and more than what anyone else may think about you.

Let us remember that the Christmas heart is a giving heart, a wide open heart that thinks of others first.

He climbs highest who helps another up.

There is no such thing as a 'self-made' man. We are made up of thousands of others.

Success is no proof of virtue. In the case of a book, quick acclaim is presumptive evidence of a lack of substance and originality.

One is worthy as a son when he removes all his father’s troubles.

Creativity is divine.

You should always be challenging yourself to see how high you can elevate yourself above the masses.

My biggest challenge is cooking traditional French dishes, which usually require very specific techniques and methods. That’s just not my style... I cook from the soul.

One of the things I believe in is a sense of human nature.

I asked many friends if Australian anti-intellectualism was still a living force and they all told me it was. If you are above average intelligence, hide this embarrassing fact.

Terrorists are not 100 feet tall. Nor do they deserve the abject fear they seek to instill.

Even as we ought to accept that each country would progress with a different method and speed toward that goal, the standard for the expected end-state should not be lowered.

Well, I should like a plan that doesn’t result in the death of my heir. (Eli) Would a good maiming be considered over-the-top? (Varyk)