Since we are exposed to inevitable sorrows, wisdom is the art of finding compensation.

Human nature is so weak that the honest men who have no religion make me fret with their perilous virtue, as rope-dancers with their dangerous equilibrium.

The uncertainty of events disturbs the purest enjoyments.

Reflection increases the vigor of the mind, as exercise does the strength of the body.

To judge of the real importance of the individual, we should think of the effect his death would produce.

The grace of joyful living gives strength to the bones.

As an adult, be child-like as you learn but not child-ish as you live.

And so I was left with a mantra, a sort of haiku version of our relationship: I don’t regret one day I spent with him, nor did I leave a moment too soon.

To be honest, I know that a lot of Asian parents are secretly shocked and horrified by many aspects of Western parenting.

My background is in musical comedy.

It is now only in letters I write what I feel: not in literature any more, and I seldom say it, because I keep trying to be amusing.

As a songwriter, I think that comes with the territory. The older you get, you like to say it doesn't matter, but you care what people think about what you do.

Behold me, here I am; thy little handmaiden Acceptance-with-Joy and all that is in my heart is thine.

I'll go for God, country, and my baby. Sure, as these teardrops burn, I promise to return, and when I'm home, I'll cling to the arms of my baby.

Don't go chattering to the stars if you're going to do it with your eyes closed.