The essence of life is to care. The beauty of life is to give.

The pessimist complains about the wind; the optimist expects it to change; the realist adjusts the sails.

A warm smile is the universal language of kindness.

Do more than belong: participate. Do more than care: help. Do more than believe: practice. Do more than be fair: be kind. Do more than forgive: forget. Do more than dream: work.

Opportunities are like sunrises. If you wait too long, you miss them.

The mediocre teacher tells. The good teacher explains. The superior teacher demonstrates. The great teacher inspires.

Study while others are sleeping; work while others are loafing; prepare while others are playing; and dream while others are wishing.

When we seek to discover the best in others, we somehow bring out the best in ourselves.

Gratitude can transform common days into thanksgivings, turn routine jobs into joy, and change ordinary opportunities into blessings.” —

Three enemies of personal peace: regret over yesterday’s mistakes, anxiety over tomorrow’s problems, and ingratitude for today’s blessings.

Flatter me, and I may not believe you. Criticize me, and I may not like you. Ignore me, and I may not forgive you. Encourage me, and I will not forget you. Love me and I may be forced to love you.

How we need another soul to cling to.

Attributing to another author, "Writing a novel is like setting a goal and walking there in your sleep.

And then like thunder broke the frost, The chill wall fell, and morrowless Immortal maid and man embraced, Their light and shadow mingling.

Poor people who had escaped from poverty as I had, feared it, hated it and fled from it all their lives. Those born rich could afford to be touched by it.

I like photography and writing and travel, so I have a lot of cerebral occupations. I am going to become a sailor and do a world tour on my yacht if I don't get any more work.

I'm terrified of losing my voice.

I knew that I had to find my own voice, both figuratively and literally.

The richness of an artist is the fusion of influences that have shaped his life and work.

I've searched all the parks in all the cities - and found no statues of Committees.

Do I mind being called a chick-lit writer? Well, it's not the worst thing that could happen.