Life is pure adventure, and the sooner we realize that, the quicker we will be able to treat life as art.

There is an intimate laughter to be found only among friends

Courage is the most important of all the virtues, because without courage you can't practice any other virtue consistently. You can practice any virtue erratically, but nothing consistently without courage.

My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style

I want to be representative of my race-the human race. I have a chance to show how kind we can be, how intelligent and generous we can be.

The country didn't get that way in a week; we've had years and years of getting behind in our economy. So President [Barack] Obama stepped into a hellhole and people wanted him to change it as soon as he came in. But he's got his adversaries to deal with in the House and Senate, so it's not easy.

The ship of my life may or may not be sailing on calm and amiable seas. The challenging days of my existence may or may not be bright and promising. Stormy or sunny days, glorious or lonely nights, I maintain an attitude of gratitude. If I insist on being pessimistic, there is always tomorrow. Today I am blessed.