“Why, all the Saints and Sages who discuss’d Of the Two Worlds so wisely – they are thrust Like foolish Prophets forth; their Words to Scorn Are scattered, and their mouths are stopped with Dust.”

For in and out, above, about, below, ‘Tis nothing but a Magic Shadow-show, Played in a Box whose Candle is the Sun, Round which we Phantom Figures come and go.

This body is a tent which for a space Does the pure soul with kingly presence grace; When he departs, comes the tent-pitcher, Death, Strikes it, and moves to a new halting-place.

The Stars are setting and the Caravan Starts for the Dawn of Nothing-Oh, make haste!

The value of three things is justly appreciated by all classes of men: youth, by the old; health, by the diseased; and wealth, by the needy.

Why ponder thus the future to foresee, and jade thy brain to vain perplexity? Cast off thy care, leave Allah’s plans to him – He formed them all without consulting thee.

Heaven has not learned of my arrival, and my departure will not in the least diminish it beauty and grandeur. I will sleep underground, for us ephemeral mortals, the only eternity is the moment and drinking to the moment is better than weeping for it.

I can’t reveal the mystery to either saint or sinner; I can’t state at length what I’ve said curtly; I achieve an altered state that I can’t explain; I have a secret that I cannot share.

I wonder what the vintners buy one half so precious as the stuff they sell.

Dead yesterdays and unborn tomorrows, why fret about it, if today be sweet.

The unbeliever knows his Koran best.

Ah, take the Cash, and let the Credit go, Nor heed the rumble of a distant Drum!

The thoughtful soul to solitude retires.

As far as you can avoid it, do not give grief to anyone. Never inflict your rage on another. If you hope for eternal rest, feel the pain yourself; but don’t hurt others.

So I be written in the Book of Love. I do not care about that Book Above. Erase my name, or write it as you will. So I be written in the Book of Love.

A hair divides what is false and true.

The secret must be kept from all non-people. The mystery must be hidden from all idiots.

Only a foolish dog barks at a flying bird.

I love fools’ experiments. I am always making them.

There are no fools so troublesome as those who have some wit.

It’s easier to fool people than to convince them that they have been fooled.

Last words are for fools who haven’t said enough.

Don’t let anybody fool you. The progressive movement today is winning.

Even a fool learns something once it hits him.

Fools lie, clever men stick to the truth.