"Just about this time, when in imagination I was so great a warrior, I had good use in real life for more strength, as I was no longer taken to school by the nurse, but instead had myself to protect my brother, two years my junior."

"My first experiences of academic friendship made me smile in after years when I looked back on them. But my circle of acquaintances had gradually grown so large that it was only natural new friendships should grow out of it."

"I admired in others the strength that I lacked myself."

"But I did not find any positive inspiration in my studies until I approached my nineteenth year."

"A writer of fiction lives in fear. Each new day demands new ideas and he can never be sure whether he is going to come up with them or not."

"Where compassion abides, fear and resentment lose their dominion. Remember this in moments of decisive trial — an essential principle for the reflective life."

"Courage is grace under pressure."

"Leadership requires the courage to make decisions that will benefit the next generation."