Difficulties break some men but make others. No axe is sharp enough to cut the soul of a sinner who keeps on trying, one armed with the hope that he will rise even in the end.

Kites rise highest against the wind - not with it.

As one's fortunes are reduced, one spirit must expand to fill the void.

Danger: if you meet it promptly and without flinching you will reduce the danger by half. Never run away from anything. Never!

Be a peg, hammered into the frozen ground, immovable.

I had a boyfriend who told me I'd never succeed, never be nominated for a Grammy, never have a hit song, and that he hoped I'd fail. I said to him, 'Someday, when we're not together, you won't be able to order a cup of coffee at the f***** deli without hearing or seeing me.'