It has been said that next to hunger and thirst, our most basic human need is for storytelling.

In truth you owe naught to any man. You owe to all men.

He who wears his morality but as his best garment were better naked. The wind and the sun will tear no holes in his skin.

Life without love is like a tree without blossoms or fruit.

And if there come the singers, and the dancers and the flute players - buy of their gifts also. For they too are gatherers of fruit and frankincense, and that which they bring, though fashioned of dreams, is raiment and fod for your soul.

You may give them your love but not your thoughts, for they have their own thoughts. You may house their bodies but not their souls, for their souls dwell in the house of tomorrow, which you cannot visit, not even in your dreams.

I deserted the world and sought solitude because I became tired of rendering courtesy to those multitudes who believe that humility is a sort of weakness, and mercy a kind of cowardice, and snobbery a form of strength.