Bythree methods we may learn wisdom: first, by reflection, which is noblest;second, imitation, which is easiest; and third by experience, which is thebitterest.

Knowingthat everything's futile but still fighting, still raging against the dying ofthe light that's what motivates me all the time ... If you hold that sense offutility in your head for too long, it can begin to eat into you. You canstill be aware of it

The planers do not make or mar our destiny. we are the makers of our destiny.

He that is unkind to his own will not be kind to others.

Power corrupts. Absolute power is kind of neat.

Chances happens to all, but to turn chance to reality is the gift of the few.

Nothing astonishes men so much as common sense and plain dealing.

There is no fate that cannot be surmounted by scorn.

Self-trust is the first secret of success.

It isthrough cooperation, rather than conflict, that your greatest successes willbe derived.

Youcan't shake hands with a clenched fist.

Civilization is a movement and not a condition, a voyage and not a harbour.