It's not what you take but what you leave behind that defines greatness.

As a conductor I find the hardest tasks are to listen to the instinct of a musician and to hear the music behind the notes.

Your lack of fear is based on your ignorance.

I like the sound of 'claps of no sound..

Some people in your lifeTouch you so very deeplyThat you drown totally in that depth.

Hate your next-door neighbor, but don't forget to say grace.

I don't believe in hero worship.

The waters are rising, but so am I. I am not going under, but over.

...in my head, a person who was out walking and walking in the dark comes to a little house with a light on. Waits at the door for a moment, and then goes in finds such a welcome that she stays.

Attention is the stuff that memory is made of, and memory is accumulated genius.

I had mostly been writing humor books, and my instinct is generally to go for the joke.

When understanding would be too difficult, I become trusting.