Meditation is the soul's perspective glass, whereby, in her long remove, she discerneth God, as if He were nearer at hand.

Every man should study conciseness in speaking; it is a sign of ignorance not to know that long speeches, though they may please the speaker, are the torture of the hearer.

He who would be singular in his apparel had need have something superlative to balance that affectation.

Meditation is the soul's perspective glass.

Negligence is the rust of the soul that corrodes through all her best resolves.

The greatest results in life are usually attained by simple means and the exercise of ordinary qualities. These may for the most part be summed up in these two - common sense and perseverance.

Promises may get friends, but it is performance that must nurse and keep them.

It is much safer to reconcile an enemy than to conquer him; victory may deprive him of his poison, but reconciliation of his will.

To trust God when we have securities in our iron chest is easy, but not thankworthy; but to depend on him for what we cannot see, as it is more hard for man to do, so it is more acceptable to God.

There is no belittling worse than to over praise a man.

Where there is plenty, charity is a duty, not a courtesy

After all, that was a main purpose of science: to make things of all kinds happen sooner than they otherwise would.

When a solid first draft of an original tale is complete...you feel as if you could do anything.

Persistence is the most powerful force on earth, it can move mountains.

And still I wander, seeking compensation in unforseen encounters and unexpected sights, in sunsets, storms and passing fancies.

If you asked me to go back to being 14 or 15, I couldn't - it was a terrifying time. I was so awkward in my own skin. I used to hide behind my hair because I was so ridiculously self-conscious.

The man who reads only for improvement is beyond the hope of much improvement before he begins.

I am a very selfish person.

It might not be true, but that doesn't mean it's nonsense.

When both a speaker and an audience are confused, the speech is profound.

But I would rather be with you, somewhere in San Francisco on a back porch in July, just looking up to Heaven, at this crescent in the sky