My days are as happy as those reserved by God for his elect; and whatever be my fate hereafter, I can never say that I have not tasted joy— the purest joy of life.

Live each day as if your life had just begun.

Correction does much, but encouragement does more.

We do not have to visit a madhouse to find disordered minds; our planet is the mental institution of the universe.

Every day we should hear at least one little song, read one good poem, see one exquisite picture, and, if possible, speak a few sensible words.

The moment one definitely commits oneself, then Providence moves too. Whatever you think you can do, or believe you can do, begin it. Action has magic, power and grace.

Magic is believing in yourself, if you can do that, you can make anything happen.

At the moment of commitment the entire universe conspires to assist you.

Courage is the commitment to begin without any guarantee of success.

If I accept you as you are, I will make you worse; however, if I treat you as though you are what you are capable of becoming, I help you become that.

There is nothing worse than aggressive stupidity.

The worst mockery God can make of a moralist is that He compels him to be asolipsist.

Most men judge your importance in their lives by how much you can hurt them, not by how happy you can make them.

Among the American contemporaries I read with most enjoyment are several North Carolinians. I think the best poetry being written these days is being written by Southerners.

Anger, used, does not destroy. Hatred does.

Comedy is harder than drama, because with comedy you're expecting a result..you make them laugh. [If] they ain't laughing then you're screwed.

Prayers aren't for the deity...They're for you, to recommit yourself to what you believe.

Over the years, confusing fragments, lost corners of stories, have a clearer meaning when seen in a new light, a different place.

The only club I have ever belonged to is the James Bond fan club. Member since 1979.

When I was a kid I got no respect. I told my mother, I'm gonna run away from home. She said, On your mark.