[T]he judicious reader ought to know what the chief character in any work of the imagination will naturally perform, according to the situation he is thrown into, as well as doth the author himself.

The words of kindness are more healing to a drooping heart than balm or honey.

Tis this desire of bending all things to our own purposes which turns them into confusion and is the chief source of every error in our lives.

[Allegory] is a flight by which the human wit attempts at one and the same time to investigate two objects, and consequently is fitted only to the most exalted geniuses.

Flattery in courtship is the highest insolence, for whilst it pretends to bestow on you more than you deserve, it is watching an opportunity to take from you what you really have.

I fancied I had some constancy of mind because I could bear my own sufferings, but found through the sufferings of others I could be weakened like a child.

If modesty and candor are necessary to an author in his judgment of his own works, no less are they in his reader.

Agreeable then to my present inclination, I formed the object of my own worship, which was no other than my own understanding.

On the wings of fancy, gentle readers, bear yourselves into the mid-air, where by imagination you may form a large stupendous castle.

I am none of those nonsensical fools that can whine and make romantic love--I leave that to younger brothers. Let my estate speakfor me.

But in all things whether we shall make only a due use of the liberties we have asked, is left entirely to the judicious reader to decide.

The brain waves of ordinary people during insight experiences are unique. Their brains are in special states.

The Lord does not require us to wear a [cassock] — He wants us to be good and kind.

It's impossible to be involved in all situations, but there's no excuse not to be involved in something, somewhere, somehow, with someone. Make an ounce of difference.

Education should be gentle and stern not cold and lax.

My nana was an actress, my mom was an actress, and my sister, too. So because I was surrounded by it, it really came naturally.

Society prizes a girl for being thin more than anything else she might bring to the table.

Our idea for Hannibal Lecter is that he's very reactionary - he's somebody who can adapt really well to circumstances.

Today I suddenly experienced an absurd but quite valid sensation. I realized, in an intimate lightning flash, that I am no one. No one, absolutely no one.

I know what "nothing" means, and keep on playing.

Your literary style reflects your personality.