At fifteen life had taught me undeniably that surrender, in its place, was as honorable as resistance, especially if one had no choice.

No matter what happens, or how bad it seems today, life does go on, and it will be better tomorrow.

Give yourself time just to be with yourself.

If I'm the people's poet, then I ought to be in people's hands - and, I hope, in their heart.

Independence is a heady draught, and if you drink it in your youth, it can have the same effect on the brain as young wine does. It does not matter that its taste is not always appealing. It is addictive and with each drink you want more.

I think we ought to give ourselves more time. We should be more patient with ourselves and with each other.

I am not competing with anyone other than myself. I want to be excellent at whatever I do.