It is a shameful thing to be weary of inquiry when what we search for is excellent.

It is a shameful thing to be weary of inquiry when what we search for is excellent.

I have often regretted my speech, never my silence.

I have often regretted my speech, never my silence.

Men on their side must force themselves for a while to lay their notions by and begin to familiarize themselves read more

Men on their side must force themselves for a while to lay their notions by and begin to familiarize themselves with facts.

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.

That which seems the height of absurdity in one generation often becomes the height of wisdom in the next.

That which seems the height of absurdity in one generation often becomes the height of wisdom in the next.

Even though you know a thousand things, ask the man who knows one.

Even though you know a thousand things, ask the man who knows one.

Be true to your work, your word, and your friend.

Be true to your work, your word, and your friend.

Who is more foolish, the child afraid of the dark, or the man afraid of the light?

Who is more foolish, the child afraid of the dark, or the man afraid of the light?

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].