You can grow up with literally nothing and you don't suffer if you know you're loved and valued.

In a false quarrel there is no true valor.

A princely mind will undo a private family.

Experience does not err. Only your judgments err by expecting from her what is not in her power.

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.

Do not mind anything that anyone tells you about anyone else. Judge everyone and everything for yourself.

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.

When you get older, you learn certain life lessons. You apply that wisdom, and suddenly you say, 'Hey, I've got a new lease on this thing. So let's go.'

A prudent question is one - half of wisdom.

Wisdom is not acquired save as the result of investigation.

When in doubt, don't.

I never got a formal education. So my intellect is my common sense. I don't have anything else going for me. And my common sense opens the door to instinct.

He who is not just is severe, he who is not wise is sad.

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.

One whose knowledge is confined to books and whose wealth is in the possession of others, can use neither his knowledge nor wealth when the need for them arises.

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.

Stubborn and ardent clinging to one's opinion is the best proof of stupidity.

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 bad manner spoils everything, even reason and justice; a good one supplies everything, gilds a No, sweetens a truth, and adds a touch of beauty to old age itself.

Old minds are like old horses you must exercise them if you wish to keep them in working order.

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