“Whatever my fate, I’ll go to it laughing.”

Nature is nobody’s ally.

To know how to grow old is the master work of wisdom, and one of the most difficult chapters in the great art of living.

There is a savor of life and immortality in substantial fare. Like balloons, we are nothing till filled.

I am, as I am; whether hideous, or handsome, depends upon who is made judge.

Let us speak, though we show all our faults and weaknesses, – for it is a sign of strength to be weak, to know it, and out with it – not in a set way and ostentatiously, though, but incidentally and without premeditation.

A smile is the chosen vehicle of all ambiguities.

I know not all that may be coming, but be it what it will, I’ll go to it laughing.

Tis no dishonor when he who would dishonor you, only dishonors himself.

Man is a money-making animal, which propensity too often interferes with his benevolence.

A man of true science… thinks, that by mouthing hard words, he proves that he understands hard things.

Thou hast evoked in me profounder spells than the evoking one, thou face! For me, thou hast uncovered one infinite, dumb, beseeching countenance of mystery, underlying all the surfaces of visible time and space.

Do not presume, well-housed, well-warmed, and well-fed, to criticize the poor

A book in a man’s brain is better off than a book bound in calf – at any rate it is safer from criticism.

No philosophers so thoroughly comprehend us as dogs and horses.

Failure is the true test of greatness

I love to sail forbidden seas, and land on barbarous coasts.

You cannot climb the ladder of success dressed in the costume of failure.

We must learn to help those who deserve it, not just those who need it. Life responds to deserve not need.

People are terrified of me, and I want them to be.

I just really wanted to be myself. I wanted to be sassy, the attitude, all these things that I am.

Sometimes you’ve got to kick your heels off and sit down a minute, so you can be ready for your next step!

Laugh as much as you choose, but you will not laugh me out of my opinion.

There is only one difference between a madman and me. The madman thinks he is sane. I know I am mad.

I’m happy to be alive, I’m happy to be who I am.