I feel as if I were a piece in a game of chess, when my opponent says of it: That piece cannot be moved.

Let me embrace thee, sour adversity, for wise men say it is the wisest course.

William Shakespeare

Whatever I will become will be what God has chosen for me.

Elvis Presley

The politics of partisanship and the resulting inaction and excuses have paralyzed decision-making, primarily at the federal level, and the big issues of the day are not being addressed, leaving our future in jeopardy.

Michael Bloomberg

Deep down within the heart there is a stillness which is healing, a trust in the universal laws which is unwavering, and a strength which is rock-like. But because it is so deep we need both patience and perseverance when digging for it.

Paul Brunton

People spend too much time finding other people to blame, too much energy finding excuses for not being what they are capable of being, and not enough energy putting themselves on the line, growing out of the past, and getting on with their lives.

J. Michael Straczynski

I should like to know what is the proper function of women, if it is not to make reasons for husbands to stay at home, and still stronger reasons for bachelors to go out.

George Eliot

The reason that war is such a fascinating subject for writers is because it's a revealer. Put a bunch of people in an adrenaline-fuelled, life-or-death situation and their fundamental behaviours are exposed, the scrim is taken away and the motivations behind each personality come out to play.

Sloane Crosley

The good things of prosperity are to be wished but the good things that belong to adversity are to be admired.

Lucius Annaeus Seneca

I spoke without fear of contradiction. I simply did not suffer self-doubt.

Elia Kazan

Infatuated, half through conceit, half through love of my art, I achieve the impossible working as no one else ever works.

Alexander Dumas

To try is all. It matters not if one succeeds or fails outwardly.

Robert Thibodeau

The family, that dear octopus from whose tentacles we never quite escape, nor in our innermost hearts never quite wish to.

Dodie Smith