No wind favors him who has no destined port.
—Michel de Montaigne (French Essayist)
Water is the most precious, limited natural resource we have in this country…But because water belongs to no one – except the people – special interests, including government polluters, use it as their private sewers
—Ralph Nader (American Activist)
Take the risk of thinking for yourself. Much more happiness, truth, beauty and wisdom will come to you that way.
—Christopher Hitchens (Anglo-American Social Critic)
No nation became great by becoming rich. Neither does a man find enduring satisfaction in life by owning something—only by becoming something.
—Norman Vincent Peale (American Clergyman, Self-Help Author)
I never approve, or disapprove, of anything now. It is an absurd attitude to take towards life. We are not sent into the world to air our moral prejudices. I never take any notice of what common people say, and I never interfere with what charming people do.
—Oscar Wilde (Irish Poet)
Love me when I least deserve it, because that’s when I really need it.
—Swedish Proverb
This life is what you make it. Not matter what, you’re going to mess up sometimes, it’s a universal truth.
—Marilyn Monroe (American Actor)
The purpose of morality is to teach you, not to suffer and die, but to enjoy yourself and live.
—Ayn Rand (Russian-born American Novelist)
Do not leave to the morning the business of the evening.
—Turkish Proverb
Friendship is a pretty full-time occupation if you really are friendly with somebody. You can’t have too many friends because then you’re just not really friends.
—Truman Capote (American Novelist)
You will find out that Charity is a heavy burden to carry, heavier than the kettle of soup and the full basket. But you will keep your gentleness and your smile. It is not enough to give soup and bread. This the rich can do. You are the servant of the poor, always smiling and good-humored. They are your masters, terribly sensitive and exacting master you will see and the uglier and the dirtier they will be, the more unjust and insulting, the more love you must give them. It is only for your love alone that the poor will forgive you the bread you give to them.
—Vincent de Paul (French Catholic Saint)
Man is a paradoxical being—the constant glory and scandal of this world.
—Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan (Indian Philosopher, Political Leader)
It is more offensive to outshine in dignity than in personal attractions.
—Baltasar Gracian (Spanish Philosopher, Prose Writer)