The three-year-old who lies about taking a cookie isn't really a liar after all. He simply can't control his impulses. He then convinces himself of a new truth and eager for your approval reports the version that he knows will make you happy.

A truly strong person does not need the approval of others any more than a lion needs the approval of sheep.

The increase of territory and power of empires by force of arms has been the policy of all great powers and it has always been possible to get the approval of their state religion.

When we consistently suppress and distrust our intuitive knowingness looking instead for authority validation and approval from others we give our personal power away.

But presidential approval also became a surrogate measure of national unity and patriotism.

We all seek approval and our mother's seal is usually the most important. The nitty gritty is that we have to accept ourselves even if it is just to be ready for the next cut-down. Mom's blessing or not.

Reputation is favorable notoriety as distinguished from fame which is permanent approval of great deeds and noble thoughts by the best intelligence of mankind.

My opinion is the greatest reward that any government could get is the approval of the people. If the people are happy and the people are at peace and the government has done something for them that's the greatest reward I think any government could hope for.

All my children have spoken for themselves since they first learned to speak and not always with my advance approval and I expect that to continue in the future.

I don't have anything to prove anymore. I don't have a record deal no one has any expectations I'm in a position of freedom. I don't need anyone's approval.

But I found that disappointing people is a good thing because disapproval is freedom.

The vehemence with which certain critics have chosen not simply to criticize what I've written but to challenge my writing this story at all speaks of what the book is about: fear of disapproval.

With gridlock the norm Congress's approval rating is below 10 percent and the public has lost faith in its national leadership.

When I started writing I did have some idealised notion of my dad as a writer. But I have less and less of a literary rivalry with him as I've gone on. I certainly don't feel I need his approval although maybe that's because I'm confident that I've got it.

Courage not compromise brings the smile of God's approval.

Do not look for approval except for the consciousness of doing your best.

When one is trying to do something beyond his known powers it is useless to seek the approval of friends. Friends are at their best in moments of defeat.

Most urgently women's identity must be premised upon our 'beauty' so that we will remain vulnerable to outside approval carrying the vital sensitive organ of self-esteem exposed to the air.