It’s better to be tough than strong, better to be clever than intelligent.
-- Christopher Knight (chapter 12 paragraph 5)

Importance: Knight’s father taught his children this adage and backed it up with teaching them basic mechanical skills as well as having them work with applications of theory (e.g., building a greenhouse using the principles of thermodynamics). Knight took this saying and perfected it in his own life in the woods. He cleverly figured out how to burglarize without being traced, with altering his patterns, with observing others’ patterns. He used toughness of mind to adhere to a discipline of daily chores and seasonal chores. This helped him in the bitter winters.

Saying nothing sometimes says the most.
-- Emily Dickinson (chapter 16 paragraph 18)

Importance: Emily Dickinson is one of Knight’s favorite authors, and like Knight, had great difficulty with social interaction. This quote exemplifies Knight’s approach in jail. When he felt that the more he tried to say, the...