"One might define adulthood as the age at which a person learns he must die and accepts his sentence undismayed."

"Writing is not necessarily something to be ashamed of, but do it in private and wash your hands afterwards."

"In the absence of clearly-defined goals, we become strangely loyal to performing daily trivia until ultimately we become enslaved by it."

"A poet who reads his verse in public may have other nasty habits."

"If a country can't save itself through the volunteer service of its own free people, then I say: Let the damned thing go down the drain!"

"Specialization is for insects."

"Character can not be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, ambition inspired, and success achieved."

"Our goal can only be reached through a vehicle of a pain, in which we must fervently believe, and upon which we must vigorously act. There is no other route to success."

"Music is the refuge of souls ulcerated by happiness."

"Religion is meant to be bread for daily use, not cake for special occasions."

"If you make people think they are thinking, they will love you. If you really make them think, they will hate you."

"You have to believe that the universe will provide."