Diplomacy is the art of saying "nice doggie" until you can find a rock.

Don't let yesterday take up too much of today.

When I die, I want to die like my grandfather who died peacefully in his sleep. Not screaming like all the passengers in his car.

We think we listen, but very rarely do we listen with real understanding, true empathy. Yet listening, of this very special kind, is one of the most potent forces for change that I know.

Growth occurs when individuals confront problems, struggle to master them, and through that struggle develop new aspects of their skills, capacities, views about life.

The curious paradox is that when I accept myself just as I am, then I can change.

As no one else can know how we perceive, we are the best experts on ourselves.

There are three kinds of men. The one that learns by reading. The few who learn by observation. The rest of them have to pee on the electric fence for themselves.

A person cannot teach another person directly; a person can only facilitate another's learning

We ought to be living as if Jesus died yesterday, rose this morning, and is coming back this afternoon.

The good life is a process, not a state of being. It is a direction not a destination.

If you don't have a smile, I'll give you one of mine.

Integrating the beauty of seasonal change into the residence was a concept that remains true even today even in the more cramped, inner city machiya.

To be alive──is Power.

the chocolate raisins tasted somewhat fishy, but Lucy didn't care-chocolate was chocolate. She changed her mind however, when she realized that the raisins were tiny fish heads.

Everything in woman hath a solution. It is called pregnancy.

Depraved conscience turns out to be as different from genuine ignorance as it is from honest recognition.

Surprises are foolish things. The pleasure is not enhanced, and the inconvenience is often considerable.

I don't think I'd be able to flat-out write a pop song and make it satisfying to me. I'm ready to make a consistent sound in whatever way I can.

I can see a movie and believe the story and characterization and stay proud of it. It doesn't change. Even if it's unappreciated, that doesn't mean it can't be appreciated in the future.

You will find that if you really try to be a father, your child will meet you halfway.