"so long as there shall exist, by reason of law and custom, a social condemnation which, in the midst of civilization, artificially creates a hell on earth, and complicates with human fatality a destiny that is divine; so long as the three problems of the century - the degradation of man by the exploitation of his labour, the ruin of women by starvation and the atrophy of childhood by physical and spiritual night are not solved; so long as, in certain regions, social asphyxia shall be possible; in other words and from a still broader point of view, so long as ignorance and misery remain on earth, there should be a need for books such as this."
— Victor Hugo

"Face the facts of being what you are, for that is what changes what you are. "
— Søren Kierkegaard

"Go placidly amid the noise and the haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence. As far as possible without surrender, be on good terms with all persons. Speak your truth quietly and clearly, and listen to others, even the dull and ignorant; they too have their story. Be yourself. Especially do not feign affection. Neither be cynical about love – for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment is it perennial as the grass. Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth. Nurture strength of spirit to shield you from misfortune. But do not distress yourself with imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness. Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself. You are a child of the universe no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here. And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should. Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be, and whatever your labours and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul. With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world."
— Max Ehrmann (Desiderata: A Poem for a Way of Life)

"[T]here is nothing worse than doing what you don't want to do, day after day, to little renummeration or applause. It's the death of your soul."
— Adam Davies (The Frog King)

"Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I'm not sure about the universe."
— Albert Einstein

"The purpose of a writer is to keep civilization from destroying itself."
— Albert Camus

"Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a harder battle."
— Plato

"Beautiful thing, the destruction of words. "
— George Orwell