We cannot and must not get rid of nor deny our characteristics. But we can give them shape and direction.

Art is long, life is short; judgement difficult, opportunity transient.

We can most safely achieve truly universal tolerance when we respect that which is characteristic in the individual and in nations, clinging, though, to the conviction that the truly meritorious is unique by belonging to all of mankind.

The person who in shaky times also wavers only increases the evil, but the person of firm decision fashions the universe.

Courage is the commitment to begin without any guarantee of success.

To make an epoch in the world, two conditions are manifestly essential-a good head and a great inheritance.

The dear good people don't know how long it takes to learn to read. I've been at it eighty years, and can't say yet that I've reached the goal.