Saul Bellow

I really do not see much use in exalting the humble and meek; they do not remain humble and meek long when they are exalted.

Dictionaries are like watches, the worst is better than none and the best cannot be expected to go quite true.

Strange – is it not? That of the myriads who Before us passed the door of Darkness through, Not one returns to tell us of the road Which to discover we must travel too.

The easy confidence with which I know another man’s religion is folly teaches me to suspect that my own is also.

The highest compact we can make with our fellow is – Let there be truth between us two forevermore.

Youth is wasted on the young.

Sometimes we are inclined to class those who are once-and-a-half witted with the half-witted, because we appreciate only a third part of their wit.

A wise man is cured of ambition by ambition itself; his aim is so exalted that riches, office, fortune and favour cannot satisfy him.

A true friend is somebody who can make us do what we can.

Men must be governed by God or they will be ruled by tyrants.

In statesmanship get the formalities right, never mind about the moralities.

Is not marriage an open question, when it is alleged, from the beginning of the world, that such as are in the institution wish to get out, and such as are out wish to get in?

Life was meant to be lived, and curiosity must be kept alive. One must never, for whatever reason, turn his back on life.

Life is one long process of getting tired.

Flow with whatever may happen, and let your mind be free: Stay centered by accepting whatever you are doing. This is the ultimate.