Actions are always more complex and nuanced than they seem. We have to be willing to wrestle with paradox in pursuing understanding.

Those who have heard me speak from time to time know that quite often I cite the observation of that great American author, Mark Twain, who said, history does not repeat itself, but it rhymes.

It's so simple to be wise. Just think of something stupid to say and say the opposite.

Power is the by-product of understanding.

The greatest deception men suffer is from their own opinions.

Even youngish men can acquire wisdom as time goes by.

I knew that I had it tough compared to children around me. But I felt like I needed it. I think I had the wisdom as a child to know that it would help me later on.

It is great folly to wish to be wise all alone.

How sad it is that these great gentlemen should believe what anyone tells them and do not choose to judge for themselves! But it is always so.

The rare few, who, early in life have rid themselves of the friendship of the many.

I would rather excel in the knowledge of what is excellent, than in the extent of my power and possessions.

The evil that is in the world almost always comes of ignorance, and good intentions may do as much harm as malevolence if they lack understanding.

Man is the most intelligent of the animals - and the most silly.

If you have the guts to keep making mistakes, your wisdom and intelligence leap forward with huge momentum.

A fool's brain digests philosophy into folly, science into superstition, and art into pedantry. Hence University education.

When I see a bird that walks like a duck and swims like a duck and quacks like a duck, I call that bird a duck.

Don't let expertise fool you into seeing false boundaries or underestimating those with wild dreams.

Contrary to popular opinion, the hustle is not a new dance step - it is an old business procedure.

This world's a bubble.

I regret often that I have spoken never that I have been silent.

It is easier to get a favor from fortune than to keep it.

Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. For everyone that asketh receiveth, and he that seeketh findeth, and to him that knocketh it shall be...

We all lose our looks eventually. Better develop your character and interest in life.

Give me a man with a good allowance of nose ... when I want any good head - work done I choose a man - provided his education has been suitable - with a long nose.

When we hear news we should always wait for the sacrament of confirmation.

Sticks and stones will break my bones but names will never hurt me.

There are some remedies worse than the disease.

My advice to those who are about to begin in earnest the journey of life is to take their heart in one hand and a club in the other.

If you miss the first buttonhole you will not succeed in buttoning up your coat.

Satan's friendship reaches to the prison door.