The language of excitement is at best picturesque merely. You must be calm before you can utter oracles.
—Henry David Thoreau (American Philosopher)
People need to learn to take everyone as they are.
—Dawn French (Welsh Comedienne, Actress)
Can you see the holiness in those things you take for granted—a paved road or a washing machine? If you concentrate on finding what is good in every situation, you will discover that your life will suddenly be filled with gratitude, a feeling that nurtures the soul.
—Harold Kushner (American Jewish Religious Leader)
A kiss can be a comma, a question mark, or an exclamation point. That’s basic spelling that every woman ought to know.
—Mistinguett (French Dancer, Actress)
No nation has the right to make decisions for another nation; no people for another people.
—Julius Nyerere (Tanzanian Statesman)
To me, we must learn to spell the word RESPECT. We must respect the rights and properties of our fellowman. And then learn to play the game of life, as well as the game of athletics, according to the rules of society. If you can take that and put it into practice in the community in which you live, then, to me you have won the greatest championship.
—Jesse Owens (American Athlete)
Aging is not ‘lost youth’ but a new stage of opportunity and strength.
—Betty Friedan (American Feminist, Author)
Youth is, after all, just a moment, but it is the moment, the spark, that you always carry in your heart.
—Raisa Gorbacheva (Russian Activist)
Comedy is simply a funny way of being serious.
—Peter Ustinov (British Actor, Playwright)
Man is stark mad; he cannot make a flea, and yet he will be making gods by the dozens.
—Michel de Montaigne (French Essayist)
If you promise the moon, be able to deliver it.
—Byrd Baggett (American Self-Help Author)
Weapons are like money; no one knows the meaning of enough.
—Martin Amis (British Novelist)
Success is achievable without public recognition, and the world has many unsung heroes. The teacher who inspires you to pursue your education to your ultimate ability is a success. The parents who taught you the noblest human principles are a success. The coach who shows you the importance of teamwork is a success. The spiritual leader who instills in you spiritual values and faith is a success. The relatives, friends, and neighbors with whom you develop a reciprocal relationship of respect and support—they, too, are successes. The most menial workers can properly consider themselves successful if they perform their best and if the product of their work is of service to humanity.
—Michael DeBakey (American Surgeon)