As human beings, we each have a responsibility to care for humanity. Expressing concern for others brings inner strength and deep satisfaction. As social animals, human beings need friendship. But friendship doesn't come from wealth and power. It comes from showing compassion and concern for others.

There is some self-interest behind every friendship. There is no friendship without self-interests. This is a bitter truth

A friend to me has no race, no class and belongs to no minority. My friendships were formed out of affection, mutual respect and a feeling of having something strong in common. These are eternal values that cannot be racially classified. This is the way I look at race.

Through the many changes I have seen over the years, faith, family, and friendship have been not only a constant for me, but a source of personal comfort and reassurance.

If you can survive 11 days in cramped quarters with a friend and come out laughing, your friendship is the real deal. I know ours is [with Gayle King].

I have friends in overalls whose friendship I would not swap for the favor of the kings of the world.