Nobody can make a monkey out of anyone who isn't a monkey to start with.

Books are only the shadow and life the real thing. I believe this as strongly as any belief I hold.

I also believe that writing becomes worthwhile and vitalized only through a full and exciting life.

If you can't do, you had best shut up.

How old are you Johnny" she asked. Sixteen." And what's that-a boy or a man?" He laughed. "A boy in time of peace and a man in time of war.

In old age the secret springs of human nature are apt to come out.

We give all we have, lives, property, safety, skill...we fight, we die, for a simple thing. Only that a man can stand up.

Most American heroes of the Revolutionary period are by now two men, the actual man and the romantic image. Some are even three men - the actual man, the image, and the debunked remains.

they reminded me of the biggest liar I ever knew personally. Was a farmer, too. Reputation of pretty good farmer at that, but he lied so he had to hire another man to call his pigs.

Hundreds would die, but not the thing they died for.

Now what state do you live in?''Denial.

The past influences everything and dictates nothing.

I am more and more convinced that some people are put in our lives solely to try our patience and tamper with our tolerance levels.

Since you get more joy out of giving joy to others, you should put a good deal of thought into the happiness that you are able to give.

It is comparatively easy to become a writer; staying a writer, resisting formulaic work, generating ones own creativity - thats a much tougher matter.

... what is there over which the incomparable beauty of childhood would not triumph?

Do the hardest thing on earth for you. ACT YOURSELF.

Hopefully, I can continue to do anything I want. I just want to do things that I'm passionate about in this life.

That's the terrible thing about growing up. You lose friends. It's inevitable. It's not like it's a surprise. But it is terrible.

I think theres a little bit of sizzling here. Honestly, I can feel it. The ions are flying back and forth.