Who the heck is William Lyon Phelps?

“At a certain age, people's minds close up and they live off their intellectual fat.”

“If at first you don't succeed, find out if the loser gets anything.”

“If you develop the absolute sense of certainty that powerful beliefs provide, then you can get yourself to accomplish virtually anything, including those things that other people are certain are impossible.”

“Music is essentially the manly art... In the entire history of music, in all times and countries, there had never been a woman able to write first-rate music.”

“The happiest people are those who think the most interesting thoughts. Those who decide to use leisure as a means of mental development, who love good music, good books, good pictures, good company, good conversation, are the happiest people in the world. And they are not only happy in themselves, they are the cause of happiness in others.”

“This is the first test of a gentleman: his respect for those who can be of no possible value to him.”