Few persons are made of such strong fiber that they will make a costly outlay when surface work will pass read more

Few persons are made of such strong fiber that they will make a costly outlay when surface work will pass as well in the market.

Never seem wiser, nor more learned, than the people you are with. Wear your learning, like your watch, in a read more

Never seem wiser, nor more learned, than the people you are with. Wear your learning, like your watch, in a private pocket: and do not merely pull it out and strike it; merely to show that you have one.

Success is not something I've wrapped my brain around. If people go to those movies, then yes, that's true, big-time read more

Success is not something I've wrapped my brain around. If people go to those movies, then yes, that's true, big-time success. If not, it's much ado about nothing. [On the prospects for his 1997 movies The Rainmaker and Good Will Hunting].

If we had no winter, the spring would not be so pleasant: if we did not sometimes taste of adversity, read more

If we had no winter, the spring would not be so pleasant: if we did not sometimes taste of adversity, prosperity would not be so welcome.

Elegance of language may not be in the power of all of us; but simplicity and straight forwardness are. Write read more

Elegance of language may not be in the power of all of us; but simplicity and straight forwardness are. Write much as you would speak; speak as you think. If with your inferior, speak no coarser than usual; if with your superiors, no finer. Be what you say; and, within the rules of prudence, say what you are.

If you once forfeit the confidence of your fellow citizens, you can never regain their respect and esteem. You may read more

If you once forfeit the confidence of your fellow citizens, you can never regain their respect and esteem. You may fool all of the people some of the time; you can even fool some of the people all the time; but you can't fool all of the people all of the time.

Wisdom too often never comes, and so one ought not to reject it merely because it comes late.

Wisdom too often never comes, and so one ought not to reject it merely because it comes late.

At night, when the curtains are drawn and the fire flickers, my books attain a collective dignity.

At night, when the curtains are drawn and the fire flickers, my books attain a collective dignity.

Advice is seldom welcome; and those who want it the most always like it the least.

Advice is seldom welcome; and those who want it the most always like it the least.