Love: the delusion that one woman differs from another. H.L. Mencken on love
The essence of a self-reliant and autonomous culture is an unshakable egoism. H.L. Mencken on pride
All successful newspapers are ceaselessly querulous and bellicose. They never defend anyone or anything if they can help it; if the job is forced upon them, they tackle it by denouncing someone or something else. H.L. Mencken on success
Beauty is the first present nature gives to woman and the first it takes away. George Brossin Méré on beauty
The worst part of having success is to try finding someone who is happy for you. Bette Midler on success
A person may cause evil to others not only by his actions but by his inaction, and in either case he is justly accountable to them for the injury. John Stuart Mill on evil
The only freedom which deserves the name is that of pursuing our own good, in our own way, so long as we do not attempt to deprive others of theirs, or impede their efforts to obtain it. John Stuart Mill on freedom
I have learned to seek my happiness by limiting my desires, rather than in attempting to satisfy them. John Stuart Mill on happiness
A man and still more the woman, who can be accused either of doing 'what nobody does,' or of not doing 'what everybody does,' is...in peril of a commission de lunatico. John Stuart Mill on individuality
There is one characteristic of the present direction of public opinion peculiarly calculated to make it intolerant of any marked demonstration of individuality. The general average of mankind are not only moderate in intellect, but also moderate in inclinations; they have no tastes or wishes strong enough to incline them to do anything unusual, and they consequently do not understand those who have, and class all such with the wild and intemperate who they are accustomed to look down upon. John Stuart Mill on individuality
My candle burns at both ends; it will not last the night; but ah, my foes, and oh, my friends - it gives a lovely light! Edna Saint Vincent Millay on life
The new always carries with it the sense of violation, of sacrilege. What is dead is sacred; what is new, that is, different, is evil, dangerous, or subversive. Henry Miller on change
In expanding the field of knowledge we but increase the horizon of ignorance. Henry Miller on knowledge
Death is delightful. Death is dawn, The waking from a weary night Of fevers unto truth and light. Joaquin Miller on death
Fame lulls the fever of the soul, and makes Us feel that we have grasp'd an immortality. Joaquin Miller on fame
It’s a sad truth that everyone is a bore to someone. Llewellyn Miller on bore
Marriage always demands the greatest understanding of the art of insincerity possible between two human beings. Vicki Baum on understanding
Beauty is nature's brag, and must be shown in courts, at feasts, and high solemnities, where most may wonder at the workmanship. John Milton on beauty
A good book is the precious lifeblood of a master spirit, embalmed and treasured up on purpose to a life beyond life. John Milton on books