But words mattered, more so in Newark than many other places. In a world where income and possessions were limited, words represented dignity, pride, self-worth.

There are so many things in life I hope to experience and attend, but so many more I'm hoping that I miss.

It is very important to generate a good attitude, a good heart, as much as possible. From this, happiness in both the short term and the long term for both yourself and others will come.

Tell the truth as you understand it. If you're a writer, you have a moral obligation to do this. And it is a revolutionary act - truth is always subversive.

To understand yourself is the beginning of wisdom.

Faith in people is an essential quality of an influencer when working with others, yet it is a scarce commodity today.

Boxing is about being hit rather more than it is about hitting, just as it is about feeling pain, if not devastating psychological paralysis, more than it is about winning.

Life's too short to be a pushover.

As a rule, the most dangerous ideas are not the ones that divide people but those on which they agree.

Maybe when it comes to my music, or my performances, I'm a little more aggressive because I want everything to be perfect. But not in normal, day-to-day life.