“The practice of cultivating altruism has a beneficial effect not only from the religious point of view but also from the mundane point of view, not only for long term spiritual development but even in terms of immediate rewards.”

“Cultivate the understanding that the self is not really an independently existing entity, and begin to view self instead in terms of it's dependent relation to others. Although it is difficult to say that merely reflecting on this will produce a profound spiritual realization, it will at least have some effect. Your mind will be more open. Something will begin to change within you. Therefore, even in the immediate term there is definitely a positive and beneficial effect in reversing these two attitudes and moving from self-centeredness to other-centeredness, from belief in self existence to belief in dependent origination.”

“ The philosophical point of view of the average man - if that term may be applied to his naive realism - has a claim to the highest consideration. ”

“Cultivate," I said, "a sense of humor. From a humorous point of view this lunch is rather good.”

“Only professional diplomats, inveterate idiots and women view diplomacy as a long-term substitute for war.”

“It is better to be blind than to see things from only one point of view.”