Men do not shape destiny, Destiny produces the man for the hour.

Fantasy is an exercise bicycle for the mind. It might not take you anywhere, but it tones up the muscles that can. Of course, I could be wrong.

No great genius has ever existed without some touch of madness.

Nature knows no pause in progress and development, and attaches her curse on all inaction.

If I wish to compose or write or pray or preach well, I must be angry. Then all the blood in my veins is stirred, and my understanding is sharpened.

It must be quite mysterious to some people why I bother to carry on. Because, you know, I don’t sell that many records.

It’s not the load that breaks you down, it’s the way you carry it.

There is no security on this earth; there is only opportunity.

My weaknesses have always been food and men – in that order.

The idea that to make a man work you’ve got to hold gold in front of his eyes is a growth, not an axiom. We’ve done that for so long that we’ve forgotten there’s any other way.

Let a man who has to make his fortune in life remember this maxim: Attacking is the only secret. Dare and the world yields, or if it beats you sometimes, dare it again and you will succeed.

Great thoughts speak only to the thoughtful mind, but great actions speak to all mankind.

Music has the power to inspire the world.

What is not started today is never finished tomorrow.

I only type every third night. I have no plan. My mind is a blank. I sit down. The typewriter gives me things I don’t even know I’m working on. It’s a free lunch. A free dinner. I don’t know how long it is going to continue, but so far there is nothing easier than writing.

I came, I saw, I conquered.

The dreams and passions stored within hearts are powerful keys which can unlock a wealth of potential.

Nothing is permanent in this wicked world – not even our troubles.

Writing makes you feel that there is a reason to go on living. If I couldn’t write, I would stop breathing.

You fail only if you stop writing.

I’ve never been able to witness the birth of an idea. It seems as if one second, there’s nothing particularly going on, and the next second, something is there. It’s coming up out of my unconscious, up from places that I don’t even know where they are.

Opportunity dances with those already on the dance floor.

For me, money is not my definition of success. Inspiring people is a definition of success.

Inaction breeds doubt and fear. Action breeds confidence and courage. If you want to conquer fear, do not sit home and think about it. Go out and get busy.

Men always talk about the most important things to perfect strangers. In the perfect stranger we perceive man himself; the image of a God is not disguised by resemblances to an uncle or doubts of wisdom of a mustache.

Ability is what you’re capable of doing. Motivation determines what you do. Attitude determines how well you do it.

Astronomy compels the soul to look upwards and leads us from this world to another.

If you tell people where to go, but not how to get there, you’ll be amazed at the results.

I know a lot of people say they always believed they could get into F1, but I didn’t quite believe that, certainly not when I was 7 and maybe not until I was 14. It was always so far away.

He too serves a certain purpose who only stands and cheers.

When a person is going through hell, and she encounters someone who went through hellish hell and survived, then she can say, ‚Mine is not so bad as all that. She came through, and so can I.‘

An ounce of practice is worth more than tons of preaching.

The person who goes farthest is generally the one who is willing to do and dare. The sure-thing boat never gets far from shore.

Success has always been a great liar.

Perpetual optimism is a force multiplier.

Today we did what we had to do. They counted on America to be passive. They counted wrong.

Technology is just a tool. In terms of getting the kids working together and motivating them, the teacher is the most important.

Don’t find fault, find a remedy.

A good indignation brings out all one’s powers.

Today is life-the only life you are sure of. Make the most of today. Get interested in something. Shake yourself awake. Develop a hobby. Let the winds of enthusiasm sweep through you. Live today with gusto.

The greatest story of all is Colonel Sanders. He didn’t start until he was sixty-six on a freeway bypass for his chicken shop. Anything is possible!

Why should anybody be interested in some old man who was a failure?

I have no special talent. I am only passionately curious.

No great intellectual thing was ever done by great effort.

When the going gets weird, the weird turn pro.

If passion drives you, let reason hold the reins.

Action may not always bring happiness; but there is no happiness without action.

‚Your Erroneous Zones’ was the book that went over the top simply because I believed in it so much.

You know, as a writer, I’m more of a listener than a writer, cuz if I hear something I will write it down.

Never let the fear of striking out get in your way.

People ask me where I got my singing style. I didn’t copy my style from anybody.

Accept the things to which fate binds you, and love the people with whom fate brings you together, but do so with all your heart.

When you’re traveling constantly, every day you become inspired, and it shows in my work, sonically, lyrically, visually. Conversations with women with different accents and stories told in those accents. I like to create characters based on different people I’ve met, and relationships. I like to tell stories loosely based on real-life events.

Apply yourself both now and in the next life. Without effort, you cannot be prosperous. Though the land be good, You cannot have an abundant crop without cultivation.

The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.

Wars may be fought with weapons, but they are won by men. It is the spirit of men who follow and of the man who leads that gains the victory.

I think what motivates people is not great hate, but great love for other people.

From a certain point onward there is no longer any turning back. That is the point that must be reached.

But men must know, that in this theatre of man’s life it is reserved only for God and angels to be lookers on.

Create a definite plan for carrying out your desire and begin at once, whether you ready or not, to put this plan into action.

Confidence is that feeling by which the mind embarks in great and honorable courses with a sure hope and trust in itself.