“Various are the uses of friends, beyond all else in difficulty, but joy also looks for trust that is clear in the eyes.”

Every gift which is given, even though is be small, is in reality great, if it is given with affection.

I will not steep my speech in lies; the test of any man lies in action.

If one but tell a thing well, it moves on with undying voice, and over the fruitful earth and across the sea goes the bright gleam of noble deeds ever unquenchable.

We are things of a day. What are we? What are we not? The shadow of a dream is man, no more.

There are many roads to happiness, if the gods assent.

The race of gods and men is one, and from one mother we both draw our breath. Yet all the difference in our power holds us apart, so that man is nothing, but the brazen floor of heaven is eternally unshakable.

Time is the best preserver of righteous men.

Even success softens not the heart of the envious.

The forehead of every work must shine from afar.

To each thing belongs it’s measure. Occasion is best to know.

Water is best, but gold shines like fire blazing in the night, supreme of lordly wealth.

Of the good things given between man and man, I say that a neighbor, true and loving in heart, to neighbor is a joy beyond all things else.

If any man thinks to swindle God, he is wrong.

Success abides longer among men when it is planted by the hand of God.

Rich man and poor move side by side toward the limit of death.

My God grant me love for that which has splendor, but in this time of my life let me strive for attainable things.

Nobody wants to watch perfect people.

I was a wonderful parent before I had children.

One must also accept that one has ‘uncreative’ moments. The more honestly one can accept that, the quicker these moments will pass.

You know, as I’ve grown older, my ideas about sin have changed. I used to believe that sins were things you did, but I don’t think that now. I think sins are what you ignore.

When a child wants to be accepted, he’ll do anything.

At times discretion should be thrown aside, and with the foolish we should play the fool.

I’m of Nigerian descent, from the Yoruba tribe.

The house was run by my mother, and because there were 10 or so kids, there was no time for individual attention.