“Was I a fool to believe in fate or in some destined illusionary path? I don't know. But we all need something to believe in.”

“The pain and shame felt are unknown to those with planned vacations. They know not of the tsunami that rescinded the homes, goals, and hopes of its victims—swallowed by the sea of greed.”

“You’ve had many ordeals in the past. During these ordeals, life seemed unbearable. You may have collapsed from the exhaustion of hopelessness and curled into a fetal position. Regardless of how difficult this new ordeal may be, as with the others, this too will be overcome. It will make you stronger.”

“Don’t allow past experiences to be forgotten.Hold them close.”

“Life isn’t fair. It doesn’t make sense. This unfairness is felt by everyone, from the Las Vegas tunnel dweller all the way to the executive in the high-rise. To some, these “unfair” experiences become a chastening ball and chain attached for the remainder of life.”

“Don’t forget:Ruts aren’t that much different . . .from graves.”

“Creativity and passion dwindle when hungry. Premiums for talent are easier to demand when desperation isn’t part of the equation. If I’m established, I can demand $350 an hour. If I’m desperate, I may accept $5.”

“The truth is, living in any society is difficult. Those who become desperate with a fractured sense of security are much more prone to being taken advantaged of.”

“All decisions we’ve come to accept as right or wrong are ingrained in us from the society in which we abide. Rights and wrongs are not universally known or transferable.”

“And to fight this beast of wrong is what I intend to do. To do otherwise is to sidestp this rabid injustice.”

“I've never felt that the American Dream was owed to me. I never felt that I was entitled to this Dream. This is why I laid the cobblestone before me for this Dream to be achieved.”