The most paradoxical aspect of neurotic shame is that it is the core motivator of the superachieved and the underachieved, the star and the scapegoat, the righteous and the wretched, the powerful and the pathetic.

To truly be committed to a life of honesty, love and discipline, we must be willing to commit ourselves to reality.

Children are natural Zen masters; their world is brand new in each and every moment.

Chronically dysfunctioning families are also delusional. Delusion is sincere denial.

Virtue is an inner strength. It expands your nature.

I have never met an aggressive person who wasn’t a fearful person.

Guilt says I've done something wrong; ... shame says there is something wrong with me. Guilt says I've made a mistake; ... shame says I am a mistake. Guilt says what did was not good; ... shame says I am no good.