We want lives of simple, predictable ease-smooth, even trails as far as the eye can see-but God likes to go off-road.

Many people don't give a rip about politics and know as much about public affairs as they know about the topography of Pluto.

When politicians rush to fix things, it's a sure sign that either the intended patient is dead or fully healed.

Risk is the inevitable product of liberty - and it's responsible not only for great tragedy, but also great triumph.

Government never falls lower than when decent people dutifully excuse their leaders' sins.

In many cases, a bout with sickness stretches your soul, opens your eyes, and introduces you to a world of unimagined grandeur, possibility and joy.

The secret of learning to be sick is this: Illness doesn't make you less of what you were. You are still you.