A large part of our attitude toward things is conditioned by opinions and emotions which we unconsciously absorb as children from our environment. In other words, it is tradition—besides inherited aptitudes and qualities—which makes us what we are. We but rarely reflect how relatively small as compared with the powerful influence of tradition is the influence of our conscious thought upon our conduct and convictions.

If I had it [life] to do all over again, I'd have been a plumber.

Is there not a certain satisfaction in the fact that natural limits are set to the life of the individual, so that at the conclusion it may appear as a work of art?

Everyone has two choices. We're either full of love... or full of fear.

The enormous mental resilience, without which no Chess player can exist, was so much taken up by Chess that he could never free his mind of this game

Hunger, love, pain, fear are some of those inner forces which rule the individual's instinct for self preservation.

Falling in love is not at all the most stupid thing that people do - but gravitation cannot be held responsible for it.