The social self is simply any idea, or system of ideas, drawn from the communicative life, that the mind cherishes as its own.

There is no way to penetrate the surface of life but by attacking it earnestly at a particular point.

A strange and somewhat impassive physiognomy is often, perhaps, an advantage to an orator, or leader of any sort, because it helps to fix the eye and fascinate the mind.

One should never criticize his own work except in a fresh and hopeful mood. The self-criticism of a tired mind is suicide.

Failure sometimes enlarges the spirit. You have to fall back upon humanity and God.

An artist cannot fail; it is a success to be one.

The imaginations which people have of one another are the solid facts of society.

As social beings we live with our eyes upon our reflection, but have no assurance of the tranquillity of the waters in which we see it.

To get away from one's working environment is, in a sense, to get away from one's self; and this is often the chief advantage of travel and change.

Form the habit of making decisions when your spirit is fresh...to let dark moods lead is like choosing cowards to command armies.

Every general increase of freedom is accompanied by some degeneracy, attributable to the same causes as the freedom.

Always think about how you can contribute and never think of how you can receive a contribution.

New adventures enrich one’s life.

Thus far we have been able to protect [our children] from the deep and enduring traumas that scar the minds and selves of so many of the patients I see. How — how?—can I make it always so?

The truth is often a big, scary wall, no less massive and haunting even after you find a way around it.

Sometimes we punish ourselves the most.

I live sort of in the country and I like that. It's very quiet, it's beautiful.

In my life I've easily lost 500 pounds but for some reason they keep finding me.

One genius is about all a house will hold.

I wish Frank Sinatra would just shut up and sing.

He moves his thumb in a slow circle over the back of my hand. It is meant to comfort me, but it frustrates me instead. I need to talk to him. I need to look at him.