Leo Rosten

I never cease being dumbfounded by the unbelievable things people believe

I cannot believe that the purpose of life is (merely) to be happy. I think the purpose of life is to be useful, to be honorable, to be compassionate. I think it is above all to matter, to count, to stand for something. To have it make some difference that you lived at all.

Most men do not mature, they simply grow taller.

I learned that it is the weak who are cruel, and that gentleness is to be expected only from the strong.

Acting is a form of deception, and actors can mesmerize themselves almost as easily as an audience.

For some not to be martyrs is martyrdom indeed.

If you are going to do something wrong at least enjoy it.

Extremists think "communication" means agreeing with them.

I never cease being dumbfounded by the unbelievable things people believe.

- Leo Rosten