I was brought up in the great tradition of the late nineteenth century:
that a writer never complains, never explains read more

I was brought up in the great tradition of the late nineteenth century:
that a writer never complains, never explains and never disdains.

Watch what you choose to do. For instance, someone might want you to smoke. Never forget that I told you read more

Watch what you choose to do. For instance, someone might want you to smoke. Never forget that I told you -- don't do it. Say no. That can of beer that somebody wants you to try, don't do it. Don't you ever do it. That drug that someone might want you to use, don't touch it. Stay away from it. It can destroy you.

Don't spend time beating on a wall, hoping to transform it into a door.

Don't spend time beating on a wall, hoping to transform it into a door.

Mediocrity is self-inflicted. Genius is self-bestowed.

Mediocrity is self-inflicted. Genius is self-bestowed.

Never fear shadows. They simply mean there's a light shining somewhere
nearby.

Never fear shadows. They simply mean there's a light shining somewhere
nearby.

Unnecessary possessions are unnecessary burdens. If you have them, you
have to take care of them! There is great freedom read more

Unnecessary possessions are unnecessary burdens. If you have them, you
have to take care of them! There is great freedom in simplicity of living.
It is those who have enough but not too much who are the happiest.

The Promised Land always lies on the other side of a Wilderness.

The Promised Land always lies on the other side of a Wilderness.

Honest Criticism is hard to take, particularly from a relative, a
friend, an aquaintance, or a stranger.

Honest Criticism is hard to take, particularly from a relative, a
friend, an aquaintance, or a stranger.

Turn your scars into stars.

Turn your scars into stars.