It is divinity that shapes, not only your ends, but also your acts, your words and thoughts.

Anger begins in folly, and ends in repentance.

One who gains strength by overcoming obstacles possesses the only strength which can overcome adversity.

Reflect upon your present blessings, of which every man has many; not on your past misfortunes, of which all men have some.

So many people have this idea: I want to achieve something great or be somebody great. And they neglect the step that leads to greatness. They don't honor this step at this moment because they have this idea of some future moment where they are going to be great.

It takes a great man to be a good listener.

I know I am but mortal and so therewhilst prepare myself for death, whensoever it shall please God to send it.

The ultimate authority must always rest with the individual's own reason and critical analysis.

Never do anything when you are in a temper, for you will do everything wrong.

Madame, all stories, if continued far enough, end in death, and he is no true-story teller who would keep that from you.

What's real and what's true aren't necessarily the same.

Be curious, not judgmental.

In a good bookroom you feel in some mysterious way that you are absorbing the wisdom contained in all the books through your skin, without even opening them.

Most of us have far more courage than we ever dreamed possible

True knowledge lies in knowing how to live.

Desire, ignorance, and inequality—this is the trinity of bondage.

By three methods we may learn wisdom: first, by reflection which is noblest; second, by imitation, which is the easiest; and third, by experience, which is the bitterest.

Science is organized knowledge. Wisdom is organized life.

Experience is the only prophecy of wise men.

The object of the superior man is truth.

Common sense is in spite of, not as the result of education.