I have always been pushed by the negative. The apparent failure of a play sends me back to my typewriter that very night, before the reviews are out. I am more compelled to get back to work than if I had a success.

If you do not wish a man to do a thing, you had better get him to talk about it; for the more men talk, the more likely they are to do nothing else.

It is simpler and easier to flatter people than to praise them.

There is only one way... to get anybody to do anything. And that is by making the other person want to do it.

There are two levers for moving men -- interest and fear.

It is in human nature to relax, when not compelled by personal advantage or disadvantage.

I want you to be everything that's you, deep at the center of your being.

We should not teach children the sciences; but give them a taste for them.

Instruction does much, but encouragement does everything.

Who is sure of their own motives can in confidence advance or retreat.