I think all it really takes for different people to get along is a common rooting interest and a few beers.

There will always be a part of me that is dirty and sloppy, but I like that, just like all the other parts of myself.

If clouds are blocking the sun, there will always be a silver lining that reminds me to keep on trying.

That's basically the mantra of Herr Silverman's teaching - think for yourself and do what's right for you, but let others do the same.

She looks sad. She looks angry. She looks different from everyone else I know—she cannot put on that happy face others wear when they know they are being watched. She doesn’t put on a face for me, which makes me trust her somehow.

Although once when we were talking after class, Herr Silverman told me that when someone rises up and holds himself to a higher standard, even when doing so benefits others, average people resent it, mostly because they're not strong enough to do the same.

You want to be a good person, don't you, Pat?' I nod. I cry. I do want to be a good person, I really do. 'I'm going to up your meds,' Dr. Patel tells me. 'You might feel a little sluggish, but it should help to curb your violent outbursts. You need to know it's your actions that will make you a good person, not desire.