Those who refuse to look at or give expression to the dark side of life are in denial-fear preventing passage through the door of growth, truth and, ultimately, wisdom.

From generation to generation, lights are extinguished and darkness threatens until some one stoops to bear the torch.

Life is a poem most people never read.

War, hatred, and violence all spring from one infernal idea: that one person, race, creed, or culture is better than another.

Over the course of the millennia, all these ancestors in your tree, generation upon generation, have come down to this moment in time-to give birth to you. There has never been, nor will ever be, another like you. You have been given a tremendous responsibility. You carry the hopes and dreams of all those who have gone before. Hopes and dreams for a better world. What will you do with your time on this Earth? How will you contribute to the ongoing story of humankind?

Real life is never quite as interesting as the story told afterward.

The age of selfishness and greed is over. The age of kindness and generosity is underway.