The state, it cannot too often be repeated, does nothing, and can give nothing, which it does not take from somebody.

What has destroyed every previous civilization has been the tendency to the unequal distribution of wealth and power.

What protectionism teaches us, is to do to ourselves in time of peace what enemies seek to do to us in time of war.

There are only three ways by which any individual can get wealth — by work, by gift or by theft. And, clearly, the reason why the workers get so little is that the beggars and thieves get so much.

There is danger in reckless change, but greater danger in blind conservatism.

Laissez faire (in its full true meaning) opens the way to the realization of the noble dreams of socialism.

That which is unjust can really profit no one; that which is just can really harm no one.

Man is the only animal whose desires increase as they are fed; the only animal that is never satisfied.

Let no man imagine that he has no influence. Whoever he may be, and wherever he may be placed, the man who thinks becomes a light and a power.

Poorly paid labor is inefficient labor, the world over.

There can be to the ownership of anything no rightful title which is not derived from the title of the producer and does not rest upon the natural right of the man to himself.

If you want to be immortal, don't ever think about retirement.

That's how life goes on - protected by the silence that anesthetizes shame.

A relationship to me is never about the romance.

I suddenly realized I was getting ten opening notes a day on my mobile phone, more than when I was in New York. But this is China, where nothing is surprising.

I've been a lucky boy.

When an acquaintance goes by I often step back from my window, not so much to spare him the effort of acknowledging me as to spare myself the embarrassment of seeing that he has not done so.

Get a day job, make your money from that, and write to please yourself.

Lovers may come and go, there was the memory of blood, the low call.

I hope you fall in love with someone nice and have a good marriage. I might end up dying without knowing what it's like to be in love.

There is no such thing as a 'free' government benefit. Ask small-business owners who are footing skyrocketing bills for bottomless jobless benefits.