The man who is anybody and who does anything is surely going to be criticized, vilified, and misunderstood. This is a part of the penalty for greatness, and every great man understands it; and understands, too, that it is no proof of greatness. The final proof of greatness lies in being able to endure contumely without resentment.

I wish to live without hate, whim, jealousy, envy, and fear. I wish to be simple, honest, frank, natural . . to face any obstacle and meet every difficulty unabashed and unafraid.

The sculptor produces the beautiful statue by chipping away such parts of the marble block as are not needed - it is a process of elimination.

There is something that is much more scarce, something finer far, something rarer than ability. It is the ability to recognize ability.

It may happen sometimes that a long debate becomes the cause of a longer friendship. Commonly, those who dispute with one another at last agree.

Why not be a top-notcher? A top-notcher is simply an individual who works for the institution of which he is a part, not against it.

Parties who want milk should not seat themselves on a stool in the middle of the field in hope that the cow will back up to them.