There is no appeal from the ways of the world, which must continue on its own terms or take us all down with it into chaos and confusion.

The job of the poet is to render the world-to see it and report it without loss, without perversion. No poet ever talks about feelings. Only sentimental people do.

I have always had the greatest respect for students. There is nothing I hate more than condescension—the attitude that they are inferior to you. I always assume they have good minds.

I love the fall. I love it because of the smells that you speak of; and also because things are dying, things that you don't have to take care of anymore, and the grass stops growing.

Wisdom before experience is only words; wisdom after experience is of no avail.

Our best chance for happiness is education.

There is one thing we can do, and the happiest of people are those who do it to the limit of their ability. We can be completely present.