Edith Wharton

"Courage is not the absence of fear but its transformation into purpose."

"The test of a first-rate intelligence is the ability to hold opposing ideas."

"A marriage without a certain foundation of mutual respect cannot endure."

"The world is run by those who show up, not those who are most qualified."

"We accept the love we think we deserve; nothing more, nothing less."

"Every woman has a private rebellion brewing beneath her surface."

"Art is the most passionate form of truth-telling available to us."

"The secret to happiness is not having what you want, but wanting what you have."

"Imagination is the beginning of creation, but execution is where most fail."

"The fear of scandal is often greater than the scandal itself."

"A person of wisdom knows the value of keeping silent when others clamor."

"The bonds of family are the strongest when they are most freely chosen."

"Every heart has secrets that society will never understand."

"Work without love is slavery; love without work is sentiment."

"The architecture of a life is built on the decisions we make in silence."

"True generosity lies in giving when you yourself are in need."

"The pursuit of happiness often becomes its greatest impediment."

"A writer must learn to listen to the story the world is already telling."

"Youth squanders what age desperately wishes to recover."

"The cruelest words are not spoken in anger but whispered with affection."

"Every great achievement requires the willingness to risk failure."

"The mind that cannot imagine cannot create."

"Peace is not the absence of conflict but the mastery of it."

"Those who cannot change their minds cannot change anything."

"The truest form of beauty is that which reveals the soul underneath."

"A life spent in regret is a life not lived at all."

"The greatest tragedy is not failure but the fear that prevents us from trying."

"Wisdom whispers; only foolishness shouts."

"The heart keeps its own counsel and will not be reasoned with."

"Success measured only in material gain is the poorest success of all."