I didn't want to be the sissy figure skater, you know.

The only disability in life is a bad attitude.

And the fact that I liked to show off and be the center of attention really lends itself to figure skating very well.

Male figure skating is different than female figure skating; we're not America's sweetheart.

And so figure skating was a great vehicle for me to kind of be competitive at something, without having to be big.

The high road is always respected. Honesty and integrity are always rewarded.

Half of figure skating is opinion, convincing judges.

Adversity, and perseverance and all these things can shape you. They can give you a value and a self-esteem that is priceless.

Most other competitions are individual achievements, but the Olympic Games is something that belongs to everybody.

I don't want to look back-I want to keep looking ahead. I'd hate for my defining moment to be my past.

Everything that I've ever been able to accomplish in skating and in life has come out of adversity and perseverance.

As if you could kill time without injuring eternity.

Without books, the world will be void.

Always carry what is beautiful in your heart.

Though I had no respect for Jack Lewis, I respected the hole in his chest. He was dying, and you owe the dying your attention.

Flowers and plants are silent presences. They nourish every sense except the ear.

Never confide your secrets to paper; it is like throwing a stone in the air; and if you know who throws the stone, you do not know where it may fall.

No man was ever taken to hell by a woman unless he already had a ticket in his pocket.

There is also the guitar player Pat Metheny with whom I'd like to work with: he is so elegant and so emotional when he plays that I am sure that, together, we could make a good team.

Being loved by all is little fun Unless you're also loved by one.

If a relationship is founded on love it doesn't end