If you want to give yourself a fair chance to succeed, never expect too much too soon

A candid spirit is mightier than the most persistent dogmatism.

Audiences like to see the bad guys get their comeuppance.

The less routine the more life.

To keep the heart unwrinkled, to be hopeful, kindly, cheerful, reverent that is to triumph over old age.

First find the man in yourself if you will inspire manliness in others.

I look like the kind of guy who has a bottle of beer in my hand.

Success is sweet and sweeter if long delayed and gotten through many struggles and defeats.

I consider it the best part of an education to have been born and brought up in the country.

Books are the most mannerly of companions, accessible at all times, in all moods, frankly declaring the author's mind, without offense.

A government, for protecting business only, is but a carcass, and soon falls by its own corruption and decay.

There is no single truth in a world ruled by many political parties.

Look, choosing to wait until marriage makes me feel empowered. But if the same choice cripples you, then it wasn't the right one.

Smartass Disciple: Does stupidity a sin? Master of Stupidity: No stupidity, no sin.

The greatest threats to Democracy are comfort and apathy.

Opportunities are visible to those who are looking for them

Minnesota has a proud tradition of having two Senators on the Ag committee - a tradition I'd like very much to continue.

But still when the mists of doubt prevail, And we lie becalmed by the shores of age, We hear from the misty troubled shore The voce of children gone before. Drawing the soul to its anchorage.

Oh, God, the lovebirds,” Magnus said, pulling the pillow off his face. “I hate happy couples.

I was very willing to take on controversial roles that people didn't really want to look at.

I'm afraid of all kinds of things. I'm afraid of failing at whatever story I'm writing - that it won't come up for me, or that I won't be able to finish it.