I don't deserve a Songwriters Hall of Fame Award. But fifteen years ago, I had a brain operation and I didn't deserve that, either. So I'll keep it.

Greatness occurs when your children love you, when your critics respect you and when you have peace of mind.

I went with Lionel Hampton for three years. Out of that came a trip to Europe.

Not one ounce of my self worth depends on your acceptance of me.

Let's not get too full of ourselves. Let's leave space for God to come into the room.

You Make Your Mistakes To Learn How To Get To The Good Stuff

I learned real early why God gave us two ears and one mouth, because you're supposed to listen twice as much as you talk.

Imagine what a harmonious world it could be if every single person, both young and old shared a little of what he is good at doing.

The process is the most beautiful part.

I've always thought that a big laugh is a really loud noise from the soul saying, "Ain't that the truth."

The only music I don't like is bad music.

To crave and to have are as like as a thing and its shadow.

My mother said I was a little odd as a kid. I was alone a lot, but I didn't feel alone.

You will notice the phenomena of meditation. You may see dazzling lights, feel energy coursing through different parts of your body, feel as if you are floating, hear sounds, or smell fragrances.

When we come to a comparison of heaven and earth, then we may indeed not only forget all about the present life, but even despise and scorn it.

Being alive is about playing to win. Being brain dead is when you play not to loose.

What do I do? (Jeff) Well, not to insult a man who looks like a rocket scientist in comparison to you, but…run, Forrest, run. (Rafael)

The church doesn’t have a social strategy, the church is a social strategy.

New York City is still the art capital - every time I'm in New York, I'm thinking about competition.

...experience should warn us that tough and unpopular decisions are only made under intense political pressure produced by urgent necessity.

I have nothing but the embittered sun; Banished heroic mother moon and vanished, And now that I have come to fifty years I must endure the timid sun.