No egoism is so insufferable as that of the Christian with regard to his soul.

Nothing in the world is permanent, and we’re foolish when we ask anything to last, but surely we’re still more foolish not to take delight in it while we have it.

We are not the same persons this year as last; nor are those we love. It is a happy chance if we, changing, continue to love a changed person.

To acquire the habit of reading is to construct for yourself a refuge from almost all the miseries of life.

It's a funny thing about life; if you refuse to accept anything but the best, you very often get it.

If a nation values anything more than freedom, it will lose its freedom; and the irony of it is that if it is comfort or money that it values more, it will lose that too.

The secret to life is meaningless unless you discover it yourself.

The only important thing in a book is the meaning that it has for you.

It is dangerous to let the public behind the scenes. They are easily disillusioned and then they are angry with you, for it was the illusion they loved.

The common idea that success spoils people by making them vain, egotistic and self-complacent is erroneous; on the contrary it makes them, for the most part, humble, tolerant and kind.

Imagination grows by exercise, and contrary to common belief, is more powerful in the mature than in the young.

They fought the enemy, we fight fat living and self-pity. Shine, o shine, unfalsifying sun, on this sick scene.

You are your shining star. Arise and shine your star.

Finishing books - and leaving the world you've created - is always a kind of emotionally wrenching experience. I usually cry.

God shows his contempt for wealth by the kind of person he selects to receive it.

You get to know them, they get to know you and see if they like you. Then they'll vote on you to become a prospect. You have to be sponsored by a Hells Angel.

True friendshipship is like phosphorescence-it glows best when the world around you goes dark.

You ain't average! But you know what? You're playing small because it's easier to be average.

I was so thin, I had to run around in the shower to get wet. That kind of thin.

Of making many books there is no end; and much study is a weariness of the flesh.