The reveries of youth, in which so much energy is wasted, are the yearnings of a Spirit made for what it has not found but must forever seek as an Ideal.

God is another name for human intelligence raised above all error and imperfection, and extended to all possible truth.

Difficulties are meant to rouse, not discourage. The human spirit is to grow strong by conflict.

Grandeur of character lies wholly in force of soul, that is, in the force of thought, moral principle, and love, and this may be found in the humblest condition of life.

My first job was scooping ice cream at Friendly's in Albany, New York. I hated the work, most of my colleagues, and the uniform, and I more or less lost my taste for ice cream permanently.

Only by joy and sorrow does a person know anything about themselves and their destiny. They learn what to do and what to avoid.

I don't think I've necessarily been able to pick and choose in my career; I don't know how many people do. But I'll tell you what I've been able to do: I've been able to say no. It is the only thing you can hold on to sometimes, is that ability to say 'no.' And I think that in that way, you can create some kind of career.

When I look at the arc of my career, my focus is on lyricism, right? I own that.