In coming to understand anything we are rejecting the facts as they are for us in favour of the facts as they are.

If we will not learn to eat the only food that the universe grows...then we must starve eternally.

Write about what really interests you, whether it is real things or imaginary things, and nothing else. (Notice this means that if you are interested only in writing you will never be a writer, because you will have nothing to write about...)

Failures are finger posts on the road to achievement.

The more pride we have, the more other people’s pride irritates us

My son, by all means desist from kicking the venerable and enlightened Vizier: for as a costly jewel retains its value even if hidden in a dung-hill, so old age and discretion are to be respected even in the vile persons of our subjects. Desist therefore, and tell us what you desire and propose.

Those who do not think about their own sins make up for it by thinking incessantly about the sins of others.