My mom is my hero. [She] inspired me to dream when I was a kid, so anytime anyone inspires you to dream, that's gotta be your hero.

I may be a real bad boy, but baby I'm a real good man.

We all take different paths in life, but no matter where we go, we take a little of each other everywhere.

But, yea, I grew up in a strong Baptist background.

There ain't no troubles that we can't rise above, with a handful of faith and a heartful of love.

When you touch and change peoples lives with a song, that's when you've made it as an artist

When all is said and done, I'd never count the cost. It's worth all that's lost, just to see you smile.

Like an old photograph, time can make a feeling fade, but the memory of a first love never fades away.

Art's for art. Money's for pizza.

I don't know where I'd be without you here with me. Life with you makes perfect sense. You're my best friend.

I still got a few more dances with the devil...

Dream as if everything is possible.

A prayer is directed by a supplicant toward someone/something powerful who can grant a favor, and by putting daughters in that position, you place them in the position of power.

To me [Christianity] was all nonsense based on that profane compilation of fables called the Bible.

A page from a journal of modern experimental physics will be as mysterious to the uninitiated as a Tibetan mandala. Both are records of enquiries into the nature of the universe.

I get a huge energy transfusion from listening to poets read their works.

A hungry dog hunts best.

On one occasion I went to Afghanistan to look at the borders and learn something about the situation there to see if my book was there?and it wasnt.

When we define democracy now it must still be as a thing hoped for but not seen.

I want people to remember me as someone whose life has been helpful to humanity.

The effusions of genius are entitled to admiration rather than applause, as they are chiefly the effect of natural endowment, and sometimes appear to be almost involuntary.