Nathaniel Parker Willis

Gratitude is not only the memory but the homage of the heart rendered to God for his goodness.

The innocence that feels no risk and is taught no caution, is more vulnerable than guilt, and oftener assailed.

Press on! for in the grave there is no work and no device. Press on! while yet you may.

I don't make much distinction between being a stand-up comic and acting Shakespeare - in fact, unless you're a good comedian, you're never going to be able to play Hamlet properly.

While writing books about the past, I think about the present. It's not intentional, but somehow my books end up being written under the sign of a political mood.

What people don't understand about Sarah Palin is that she is a rancher's wife. From Alberta down to Texas I've known women like that: good common sense, bright and vilified by city people.