When a small child I thought that success spelled happiness. I was wrong happiness is like a butterfly which appears and delights us for one brief moment but soon flits away.

What might be taken for a precocious genius is the genius of childhood. When the child grows up it disappears without a trace. It may happen that this boy will become a real painter some day or even a great painter. But then he will have to begin everything again from zero.

Instead of comparing our lot with that of those who are more fortunate than we are we should compare it with the lot of the great majority of our fellow men. It then appears that we are among the privileged.

When government disappears it's not as if paradise will take its place. When governments are gone other interests will take their place.

A good man often appears gauche simply because he does not take advantage of the myriad mean little chances of making himself look stylish. Preferring truth to form he is not constantly at work upon the facade of his appearance.

The mark of a good action is that it appears inevitable in retrospect.

It is the mark of a good action that it appears inevitable in retrospect.

I object to violence because when it appears to do good the good is only temporary the evil it does is permanent.

Every good relationship especially marriage is based on respect. If it's not based on respect nothing that appears to be good will last very long.

Just as treasures are uncovered from the earth so virtue appears from good deeds and wisdom appears from a pure and peaceful mind. To walk safely through the maze of human life one needs the light of wisdom and the guidance of virtue.