A lot of what is most beautiful about the world arises from struggle.

Re-reading is much underrated. I've read The Spy Who Came in from the Cold once every five years since I was 15. I only started to understand it the third time.

Whenever we have something that we are good at--something we care about--that experience and passion fundamentally change the nature of our first impressions.

A prediction, in a field where prediction is not possible, is no more than a prejudice.

I've been in auditions without screens, and I can assure you that I was prejudiced. I began to listen with my eyes, and there is no way that your eyes don't affect your judgement. The only true way to listen is with your ears and your heart. (p.251)

To build a better world we need to replace the patchwork of lucky breaks and arbitrary advantages today that determine success--the fortunate birth dates and the happy accidents of history--with a society that provides opportunities for all.

The key to good decision making is not knowledge. It is understanding. We are swimming in the former. We are desperately lacking in the latter.