I have used these weeks to revalue values. Do you understand this expression?. When you come right down to it, the alchemist is the most praiseworthy of men: I mean the one who changes something negligible or contemptible into something of value, even gold. He alone enriches, the others merely exchange. My task is quite singular this time: I have asked myself what mankind has always hated, feared, and despised the most.
—Friedrich Nietzsche (German Philosopher, Scholar)
To know that which before us lies in daily life, is the prime wisdom; what is more is fume, or emptiness, or fond impertinence, and renders us, in things that most concern, unpracticed and unprepared.
—John Milton (English Poet)
Some desire is necessary to keep life in motion; he whose real wants are supplied, must admit those of fancy.
—Samuel Johnson (British Essayist)
At the center of our agency is our freedom to form a healthy attitude toward whatever circumstances we are placed in.
—Neal A. Maxwell (American Mormon Religious Leader)
If I were given the opportunity to present a gift to the next generation, it would be the ability for each individual to learn to laugh at himself.
—Charles M. Schulz (American Cartoonist)
Not being able to govern events, I govern myself, and apply myself to them, if they will not apply themselves to me.
—Michel de Montaigne (French Philosopher)
Answered prayers cover the field of providential history as flowers cover western prairies.
—Theodore L. Cuyler (American Presbyterian Clergyman)
I put all my genius into my life; I put only my talent into my works.
—Oscar Wilde (Irish Poet)
We are all exceptional cases. Each man insists on being innocent, even if it means accusing the whole human race, and heaven.
—Albert Camus (Algerian-born French Philosopher)