Dan Rather

A college degree is the key to realizing the American dream, well worth the financial sacrifice because it is supposed to open the door to a world of opportunity. ”

The great lesson my mother and father gave me was almost invisible. It was a strong sense of being rooted. ”

For years Don Imus was just - boy, he was merciless in his criticism of me. Maybe it was justified, but that didn't mean it didn't hurt. ”

If all difficulties were known at the outset of a long journey, most of us would never start out at all. ”

A tough lesson in life that one has to learn is that not everybody wishes you well. ”

Courage is being afraid but going on anyhow. ”

What separated Ed Murrow from the rest of the pack was courage. ”

Performing doesn't turn me on. It's an egomaniac business, filled with prima donnas - including this one. ”

Well, first of all, I don't want to debate the word conservative, but by my definition, a conservative is someone who wants to conserve the Constitution of the United States and the American tradition and law that no one is above the law. ”

I respect and empathize with reporters and editors who must compete in today's environment. And I know full well that when I've been covering campaigns, which I still do, I've made my mistakes and have been far from perfect. ”