Whatever you want to do, if you want to be great at it, you have to love it and be able to make sacrifices for it.

When I look back, I am so impressed again with the life-giving power of literature.

I've tried to be totally present, so that when I'm finished with a piece of work, I'm finished. ... The work, once completed, does not need me. The work I'm working on needs my total concentration. The one that's finished doesn't belong to me anymore. It belongs to itself.

My mother said I must always be intolerant of ignorance but understanding of illiteracy. That some people, unable to go to school, were more educated and more intelligent than college professors.

Life sometimes gives you a second chance.

You may encounter many defeats, but you must not be defeated. Please remember that your difficulties do not define you. They simply strengthen your ability to overcome.

When you wish someone joy, you wish them peace, love, prosperity, happiness... all the good things.