Without self awareness we are babies in the cradles.

Being aware of a single shortcoming within yourself is far more useful than being aware of a thousand in someone else!

You must try to observe yourself more and more objectively, to look at everything in yourself as though another person.

Man can learn nothing unless he proceeds from the known to the unknown.

He who has so little knowledge of human natures as to seek happiness by changing anything but his own disposition will waste his life in fruitless efforts.

The change in motion is proportional to the motive force impressed; and is made in the direction of the right line in which that force is impressed.

If there is anything in the world a person should fight for, it is freedom to pursue his ideal, because in that is his great opportunity for self-expression, for the unfoldment of the greatest thing possible to him.

What we do now echoes in eternity.

Our ambition should be to rule ourselves, the true kingdom for each of us; and true progress is to know more, and be more, and to do more.

The indefatigable pursuit of an unattainable perfection, even though it consist in nothing more than in the pounding of an old piano, is what alone gives a meaning to our life on this unavailing star.

Can’t is the worst word that is written or spoken; Doing more harm here than slander and lies; On it is many a strong spirit broken, And with it many a good purpose dies.

I do not know what I may appear to the world; but to myself I seem to have been only like a boy playing on the seashore, and diverting myself in now and then finding a smoother pebble or a prettier shell than ordinary, whilst the great ocean of truth lay all undiscovered before me.

When you are enthusiastic about what you do, you feel this positive energy. It’s very simple.

Don’t be ‘a writer’. Be writing.

If the highest aim of a captain were to preserve his ship, he would keep it in port forever.

I have learned over the years that when one's mind is made up, this diminishes fear; knowing what must be done does away with fear.

Good, better, best. Never let it rest. 'Til your good is better and your better is best.

We can secure other people’s approval, if we do right and try hard; but our own is worth a hundred of it, and no way has been found out of securing that.

All limitations are self-imposed.

If you cannot be honest with yourself, there is no hope of being honest with anyone else.

There is a vitality, a life force, an energy, a quickening, that is translated through you into action, and because there is only one of you in all time, this expression is unique. And if you block it, it will never exist through any other medium and will be lost.

You don't have a soul. You are a soul. You have a body.

If you are ever tempted to look for outside approval, realize that you have compromised your own integrity. If you need a witness, be your own.

Your time is limited, don’t waste it living someone else’s life.

The world will ask you who you are, and if you don't know, the world will tell you.

It is of particular value to learn to like yourself. Since you must spend so much time with yourself you might as well get some satisfaction out of the relationship.

When we seek to discover the best in others, we somehow bring out the best in ourselves.