I think of Wangari Mathai in Kenya. If she started out saying she wanted to plant 20 million trees, she would have been laughed at. In fact, the foresters and the government did laugh at her. They said, "Villagers? Un-schooled villagers? Planting trees? No, no, no, it takes foresters." So she planted trees anyway.

Individuality doesn't just mean individualism-standing alone. It means developing one's unique gifts, and being able to share them for the enjoyment of oneself and others.

Nature has an incredible capacity for regeneration and growth, but we can't experience it if we stay fearful and focused on lack.

The good life is not about avoiding fear. Just the opposite.

History doesn't proceed in incremental little notches.

Engagement is the good life. What could be more exciting than getting involved in something that you care about and joining with others and seeing something change? What could be more thrilling?

There are surprising turning points; there is the straw that breaks the camel's back, and you never know if your action could be the straw.