People can tell you to keep your mouth shut, but that doesn't stop you from having your own opinion.

The essence of the independent mind lies not in what it thinks, but in how it thinks.

Although I'm only fourteen, I know quite well what I want. I know who is right and who is wrong. I have my opinions, my own ideas and principles, and although it may sound pretty mad from an adolescent, I feel more of a person than a child. I feel quite independent of anyone.

There is no less invention in aptly applying a thought found in a book, than in being the first author of the thought

He would listen to others' opinions, but I always thought I had to stay on firm ground because he might challenge me.

Thinking is hard work, which is why you don't see many people doing it.