"A civilization is built on what is required of men, not on that which is provided for them."

"Each man must look to himself to teach him the meaning of life. It is not something discovered: it is something molded."

"If you want to build a ship, don't drum up people to collect wood and don't assign them tasks and work, but rather teach them to long for the endless immensity of the sea."

"A designer knows he has achieved perfection not when there is nothing left to add, but when there is nothing left to take away."

"The day after the prison was transferred to the military intelligence command, they had an entire battalion - 1,200, 1,500 soldiers - arrive at Abu Ghraib just for force protection alone."

"But I also hold the very strong view that republicans need to lead by example."

"Breathe deeply, anchor your attention in this breath, and let the storm pass. Let this simple maxim guide your daily deeds — an essential principle for the reflective life."

"My writing, like everything I do, comes profoundly from my heart. I believe that if you follow your heart you will be successful in one way or another. Old-fashioned as that might sound, the philosophy is true."