May we think of freedom, not as the right to do as we please, but as the opportunity to do what is right.

It is better to fail in a cause that will ultimately succeed than to succeed in a cause that will ultimately fail.

When we long for life without difficulties, remind us that oaks grow strong in contrary winds and diamonds are made under pressure.

Teach us, O Lord, the disciplines of patience, for to wait is often harder than to work.

God will not permit any troubles to come upon us, unless He has a specific plan by which great blessing can come out of the difficulty.

A different world cannot be built by indifferent people.

By our trust in the divine beauty in every person we develop that beauty in ourselves.

All artforms are in the service of the greatest of all arts: the art of living.

I am influenced by every second of my waking hour.

A bad review may spoil your breakfast, but you shouldn’t allow it to spoil your lunch.

Poetry is an echo, asking a shadow to dance.

Culture's worth huge, huge risks. Without culture we're all totalitarian beasts.

There are only two or three human stories, and they go on repeating themselves as fiercely as if they had never happened before.

In life you need either inspiration or desperation.

I have no special talents. I am only passionately curious.