One way to work the system is to work the system. The other way is to refuse to work it.

We've greatly exaggerated the risk of sinking, without celebrating the value of swimming.

Go ahead, do something impossible.

A brilliant author or businesswoman or senator or software engineer is brilliant only in tiny bursts. The rest of the time, they’re doing work that most any trained person could do.

I wonder if real art comes when you build the thing that they don't have a prize for yet.

We do not need to teach students to embrace the status quo.

Good advice is priceless. Not what you want to hear, but what you need to hear. Not imaginary, but practical. Not based on fear, but on possibility. Not designed to make you feel better, designed to make you better. Seek it out and embrace the true friends that care enough to risk sharing it. I'm not sure what takes more guts-giving it or getting it.