The world is hard and cruel. We are here none knows why, and we go none knows whither. We must be very humble. We must see the beauty of quietness. We must go through life so inconspicuously that Fate does not notice us. – W. Somerset Maugham, The Moon and Sixpence, 1919

Its surprising how many persons go through life without ever recognizing that their feelings toward other people are largely determined by their feelings toward themselves, and if youre not comfortable within yourself, you cant be comfortable with others. – Sydney J. Harris

I have learned that success is to be measured not so much by the position that one has reached in life as by the obstacles which he has had to overcome while trying to succeed. – Booker T. Washington