The maxims for success laid out by the powerful are never much good as guides for those who aren't powerful.

those who despair of life are not long for it.

Growing up human is uniquely a matter of social relations rather than biology. What we learn from connections within the family takes the place of instincts that program the behavior of animals; which raises the question, how good are these connections?

The greatest barrier to women's advance in the public world of action has been their acquiescence in the idea that they don't belong out there.

it is through the ghost [writer] that the great gift of knowledge which the inarticulate have for the world can be made available.

Humor is an antidote to isolation.

If one is going to change things, one has to make a fuss and catch the eye of the world.