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.

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.

People should be nice to you, Leonard. You're a human being. You should expect people to be nice.

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

People can be cruel,' he says with a sympathetic look that makes me trust him even more. And right then I realize that he is not writing down all my words in a file, which I really appreciate, let me tell you.

You're different. And I'm different too. Different is good. But different is hard. Believe me, I know.

Not letting the world destroy you. That’s a daily battle.