In business be as able as you can, but do not be cunning; cunning is the dark sanctuary of incapacity.

As fathers commonly go, it is seldom a misfortune to be fatherless; and considering the general run of sons, as seldom a misfortune to be childless.

The mere brute pleasure of reading - the sort of pleasure a cow must have in grazing.

If we do not plant knowledge when young, it will give us no shade when we are old.

Never put off till tomorrow what you can do today.

Being pretty on the inside means you don't hit your brother and you eat all your peas - that's what my grandma taught me.

Modesty is the only sure bait when you angle for praise.

Whatever is worth doing at all is worth doing well.

You must look into people, as well as at them.

A man's own good breeding is the best security against other people's ill manners.

Know the true value of time; snatch, seize, and enjoy every moment of it. No idleness, no laziness, no procrastination: never put off till tomorrow what you can do today.

To love is to communicate, and you can communicate only in truth. Speak the truth, and speak it with love.

Bez blew out a breath and leaned heavily against the bar. "Honestly, D, you're better off busting your subversive cherry with something else. A nice werewolf killing. A vampire blood drive.

How you try is more important than how hard you try.

Man blindly works the will of fate. [Ger., Blindlings that er blos den Willen des Geschickes.]

Action cures fear. Indecision, postponement, on the other hand, fuel fear.

Practicing zazen and mindfulness constantly and correctly, over a period of time, can bring strength and clarity to your finite mind and eventually give you access to your infinite mind.

Before, I was really passive, all I cared about was being in love with my boyfriend. I didn't have any creative power, nothing. I don't know that person any more.

We don't ask God for too much; in fact, we ask for too little. Turn to Him for everything. Give everything to God.

If the music has a logic of its own - as I think my music has - an open-minded listener will apprehend and understand.

Thankfully, perseverance is a good substitute for talent.