“Nothing moves more quickly than scandal.”

Greater is our terror of the unknown.

There is an old saying which, from its truth, has become proverbial, that friendships should be immortal, enmities mortal.

In war, mere appearances have had all the effect of realities; and that a person, under a firm persuasion that he can command resources, virtually has them; that very prospect inspiring him with hope and boldness in his exertions.

The populace is like the sea motionless in itself, but stirred by every wind, even the lightest breeze.

No man likes to be surpassed by those of his own level.

Men are only clever at shifting blame from their own shoulders to those of others.

Woe to the conquered.

From abundance springs safety.

Under the influence of fear, which always leads men to take a pessimistic view of things, they magnified their enemies’ resources, and minimized their own.

Adversity makes men remember God.

There is nothing that is more often clothed in an attractive garb than a false creed.

Prosperity engenders sloth.

Men are seldom blessed with good fortune and good sense at the same time.

The troubles which have come upon us always seem more serious than those which are only threatening.

A certain peace is better and safer than a victory in prospect; the former is at your own disposal, the latter depends upon the gods.

We can endure neither our vices nor their cure.

Through the machineries of greed, pettiness, and the abuse of power, love occurs.

What white man has ever seen me drunk? Who has ever come to me hungry and left me unfed? Who has seen me beat my wives or abuse my children? What law have I broken?

The most personal thing I’ve put in [Touch of Evil] is my hatred of the abuse of police power. It’s better to see a murderer go free than for a policeman to abuse his power.

We were electric together, you and me; we turned hurting each other into a goddamned symphony.

Poisoned food will look like nourishment to someone who is starving. The same principle applies to abusive relationships.

Right now, I’m following the Buddhist principle: Smile as abuse is hurled your way and this too shall pass.

An important fact about verbal behavior is that speaker and listener may reside within the same skin.

As I pen these words, tears flow from my pained heart onto my trembling lips, and the soul seeks release from daily abuse.