Only, in Haiti, I realized, is it possible to drink rum and haggle with a god.

The world in which you were born is just one model of reality. Other cultures are not failed attempts at being you; they are unique manifestations of the human spirit.

A language is not just a body of vocabulary or a set of grammatical rules. ... Every language is an old-growth forest of the mind.

The measure of a society is not only what it does but the quality of its aspirations.

The surface of the Earth itself is an immense loom upon which the sun weaves the fabric of existence.

What is science but the pursuit of the truth? What is Buddhism but 2500 years of observation as to the nature of mind?

Risk discomfort and solitude for understanding.

Heroes are never perfect, but they're brave, they're authentic, they're courageous, determined, discreet, and they've got grit.

Its haunting to realize that half of the languages of the world are teetering on the brink of extinction.

Language is an old-growth forest of the mind.

All cultures through all time have constantly been engaged in a dance with new possibilities for life. Change is the one constant in human history.

Life ... is a taleTold by an idiot, full of sound and fury, Signifying nothing.

He’s looking for people he can be himself around. Aren’t we all?

Nations as well as men require time to learn, whatever may be their intelligence or zeal.

This blood feud is a bit too Shakespearean, if ye want the truth. I’m no Montague, and ye’re no Capulet.

I am passionately interested in understanding how my country works. And if you want to know about this thing called the United States of America you have to know about the Civil War.

Only a man who knows what it is like to be defeated can reach down to the bottom of his soul and come up with the extra ounce of power it takes to win when the match is even.

I am not attracted to those politicians who are short on vision and only want to make money. I like those who have vision.

When going for a run, I pick fresh air, openness, and scenery of the outdoors over a treadmill every time.

I don't think anyone, until their soul leaves their body, is past the point of no return.