We are very near to greatness: one step and we are safe; can we not take the leap?

For the multitude of worldly friends profiteth not, nor may strong helpers anything avail, nor wise counselors give profitable counsel, nor the cunning of doctors give consolation, nor riches deliver in time of need, nor a secret place to defend, if Thou, Lord, do not assist, help, comfort, counsel, inform, and defend.

Life is a romantic business, but you have to make the romance.

If you love someone, let them go. If they return to you, it was meant to be. If they don't, their love was never yours to begin with.

All hell broke loose.

The cultivated man, wise to know and bold to perform, is the end to which nature works.

Each man is his own absolute lawgiver and dispenser of glory or gloom to himself, the maker of his life, his reward, his punishment.

Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement. Nothing can be done without hope or confidence.

Most people spend more time and energy going around problems than in trying to solve them.

I've certainly done some turkeys along the way and made some dumb choices in my career, mostly early on. I'm one of the lucky ones who got to make a lot of mistakes very early when no one was paying attention.

Amidst the confusion of the times, the conflicts of conscience, and the turmoil of daily living, an abiding faith becomes an anchor to our lives.

I remember the first time I saw the 'Sugarhill Gang' on Soul Train. I was 11 or 12. I was like, 'What's going on? How did those guys get on national TV?' And then, when I was a little older, a rapper from the neighborhood got a record deal. I was shocked.