"I've learned that you shouldn't compare yourself to others — they're on their own journey."

"I've learned that you shouldn't go through life with a catcher's mitt on both hands; you need to be able to throw something back."

"I'm not a prophet. I'm a poet. And I use my poetry to try to understand the world."

"I respect myself and insist upon it from everybody. And because I do it, I get it."

"I've learned that the best way to get even is to forgive."