I was always looking outside myself for strength and confidence, but it comes from within. It is there all the time.
Every day I remind myself that my inner and outer life are based on the labors of other men, living and dead, and that I must exert myself in order to give in the same measure as I have received and am still receiving.
Originality does not consist in saying what no one has ever said before, but in saying exactly what you think of yourself.
All legislation, all government, all society is founded upon the principle of mutual concession, politeness, comity, courtesy; upon these everything is based...Let him who elevates himself above humanity, above its weaknesses, its infirmities, its wants, its necessities, say, if he pleases, I will never compromise; but let no one who is not above the frailties of our common nature disdain compromises.
He who kills a man kills a reasonable creature, but he who destroys a good book kills reason itself.
Getting my lifelong weight struggle under control has come from a process of treating myself as well as I treat others in every way.
Oh, I have lost my reputation! I have lost the immortal part of myself, and what remains is bestial.
Life is too short, or too long, for me to allow myself the luxury of living it so badly.
Believe in yourself and there will come a day when others will have no choice but to believe with you.
All truth passes through 3 stages. First, it is ridiculed. Second, it is violently opposed. Third, it is accepted as being self-evident.