True patriotism sometimes requires of men to act exactly contrary, at one period, to that which it does at another, and the motive which impels themthe desire to do rightis precisely the same.

It's not worth doing something unless you were doing something that someone, somewere, would much rather you weren't doing.

Terry Pratchett

The world values the seer above all men, and has always done so. Nay, it values all men in proportion as they partake of the character of seers. You love them because you say, These things were not made, they were seen.

John Jay Chapman, Practical Agit

Tell him, on the contrary, that he needs, in the interest of his own happiness, to walk in the path of humility and self-control, and he will be indifferent, or even actively resentful.

Irving Babbitt

Welcome anything that comes to you, but do not long for anything else.

Andre Gide, The Fruits of the Ea

Life is too full of distractions nowadays. When I was a kid we had a little Emerson radio and that was it. We were more dedicated. We didn't have a choice.

Stan Getz

If women were as good as men they'd be a lot better!

Terry Pratchett

Most women have no characters at all.

Alexander Pope

It's essential to distinguish between events that are really beyond your control and events you caused yourself.

Barbara Sher

Ignorance and bungling with love are better than wisdom and skill without.

Henry David Thoreau

Contrary to popular opinion, the hustle is not a new dance step -- it is an old business procedure.

Fran Lebowitz

Might was the measure of right.

F. L. Lucan

To be misunderstood can be the writer's punishment for having disturbed the reader's peace. The greater the disturbance, the greater the possibility of misunderstanding.

Anatole Broyard