I’m fairly certain that it started its life as a Buddhist proverb. Fairly certain.
Ladies and gentlemen, I present my sig
“I really believe that to love, and be loved, is the most important fulfillment for human beings.” - my mentor and friend.
Hrm… I’m not sure if this would quite fit what the thread requested, but this seems strangely appropriate. It was determined by a panel of judges to be the most effective possible pickup line (in Japan, at least):
“In a year’s time, let’s be laughing together.”
Incidentally, this thread has made me very happy - particularly the one from Erasmus about buying books.
~ Isaac
“Everything is easy.”
A friend and I came up with this as a line to live by a few years back. Works well for me. I like yours as well Rick.
“Hate is just Love with its back turned.” - Terry Pratchett
“Life is pain, Your Highness. Anyone who says differently is selling something.”
“Who says life is fair? Where is that written?”
(Both from The Princess Bride)
Films can be rented, time with friends can’t* - Me
PT
[sub]*unless you’re friendly with certain types of profession[/sub]
Well, I don’t think so. But it describes my personal financial habits, too, so I may be a bit biased.
The only difference between being in a rut and being in a grave is depth.
Oh, and I’m new here… so hello all 
Perhaps I should have introduced myself before just jumping in?
Naw, just burst into the saloon with both guns blazing until you’ve run both wheels dry.
And welcome, by the way. Nice quote.
Stranger
Just thought of another one:
“You know, I used to think it was awful that life was so unfair. Then I thought, wouldn’t it be much worse if life were fair, and all the terrible things that happen to us come because we actually deserve them? So, now I take great comfort in the general hostility and unfairness of the universe.”
-Marcus COle, babylon 5
“Every rose has it’s thorn…”
-Poison
You can’t have everything. Where would you put it?
- Steven Wright
It’s the default sig in my email program, and I’m afraid it’s all too true. The #1 alternate I use is:
“Too many books? There is no such thing as too many books, but too few bookshelves can be a problem.”
Mary Loomer Oliver
I also sometimes use:
“I would be most content if my children grew up to be the kind of people who think decorating consists mostly of building enough bookshelves.”
Anna Quindlen
You must be the change you wish to see in the world.
-Mahatma Gandhi.
“And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.” ~ 1 Corinthians 13:13 ~
Thanks, kefja for including my other favorite guide to living.
Life is to complicated for one liners.
So:
“Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength; loving someone deeply gives you courage.” ~ Lao-Tzu ~
“Any problem that can be solved by spending money isn’t a problem, it’s an expense. Spend it and get on with your life.” - paraphrased from Harvey Mackay.
He meant it as business advice, but it’s generally served me well. Substitute “time,” “effort,” or “temporary discomfort” for “money” where appropriate.
A more modern variation: “The number of people who believe something does not affect it’s truth or falsehood.” And I still don’t know who, Google doesn’t match the exact quote.
This is actually one I wish others would live by, which sounds like a good idea for a separate thread.