"The only purpose for which power can be rightfully exercised over any member of a civilized community, against his will, is to prevent harm to others. His own good, either physical or moral, is not sufficient warrant."

"Eccentricity has always abounded when and where strength of character had abounded and the amount of eccentricity in a society has generally been proportional to the amount of genius, mental vigor, and courage which it contained."

"The only part of the conduct of any one, for which he is amenable to society, is that which concerns others. In the part which merely concerns himself, his independence is, of right, absolute. Over himself, over his own body and mind, the individual is sovereign."

"The general tendency of things throughout the world is to render mediocrity the ascendant power among mankind."

"I think a lot of people do big movies not because they are talented artists but because they can function in the circumstances."

"It is a subtle truth that courage is not the absence of trembling, but the decision to step forward regardless — an essential principle for the reflective life."

"Courage is not the absence of trembling, but the decision to step forward regardless. Let this simple maxim guide your daily deeds."

"Do not wait for favorable winds; take the oars and row toward your horizon. Reflect upon this whenever doubt clouds your horizon — an essential principle for the reflective life."