Much of our national debate proceeds as if China and America were locked in a zero-sum game in which one's loss is precisely the other's gain.

True patriots measure themselves not by personal wealth or power but by the degree to which they contribute to the community.

The next time someone uses denial of citizenship as a weapon or brandishes the special status conferred upon him by the accident of birth, ask him this: What have you done lately to earn it?

Today's multiracial Americans are at greater liberty to choose how they'd like to be seen, and under less pressure to pass for white.

We're all better off...when we're all better off.

The Boomers have modeled a set of bad habits, and one grand gesture is not going to unwind all those bad habits.

Identity in America is complicated but it's also simple: it's about whom you identify with and who identifies with you.

As it stands now, those of us who are lucky enough to be citizens by birth don't have to do much. Very little is asked of us.

Throughout this country's history there have of course been systematic efforts to create an official underclass.

To be sure, the United States has profound problems, not least our faltering educational and physical infrastructure.

Society becomes how you behave.

They say: Think twice before you jump. I say: Jump first and then think as much as you want!

Be passionate about creating a life that is exciting and fun, one that will help you reach your ultimate potential.

The world is with you.

Cruelty is the opposite of love, and its traumatic effect, far from being reduced, is actually reinforced if it is presented as a sign of love.

The words aren't enough every time. Actions speak much more.

Want wisdom? Laugh at yourself.

Women need to know that not all guys are going to hurt them the way that the guy did before they started dating me. I know guys I wouldn't go out with.

Be sure what you want and be sure about yourself.

Actually, I was lucky enough; I was a heavyweight, so making weight for me was never that much of a problem in high school. Now, it would just be near impossible, because I'm a little heavier.

Playing with my grandfather, grandmother and my parents, I came to music pretty naturally.