“I don't think you can do anything for anyone without giving up something of your own.”

“People have asked me to speak on being sick, and even specifically on chronic pain diseases. … And I don't know what to tell you, except this — this is something I have discovered. Your body is fighting to live. This is in your very blood, in your heart, in your bones — your body is trying to live, it's fighting to live — and don't give up without a fight, you know? Do what you can do. Figure something out. If you have to, fight with people to get help — whatever it is, but don't give up without a fight. You remember — mark my words — you are here — you should be here — stay.”

“Never let anyone shame you into doing anything you don't choose to do. Keep your identity.”

“Do not compare your struggles to anyone else's.
Do not become discouraged by another's success.
Create your own path and do not ever give up!”

“I don’t think I have to prove anything to anyone. I don’t expect anyone to give me any breaks. I’m not one of those people who wants to scream, ‘Give me a chance. I will show you what I can do!’ You know, I really don’t care.”

“If you don't do anything, you simply end up overwhelmed by something happening.”

“I put the candy on the desk. So you know, it doesn't matter who you shut your eyes and pray to — to God, or anyone, even our leader — no one will ever give you anything. Only another human being … only I, or someone like me, can give you things. Praying to God or anyone for something is a waste of time.”

“Your old teacher never explained anything to you? I don't think that was very good. Not to explain. You can always ask me anything. That's what a real teacher should do.”

“You can't love anyone or anything until you love your own existence first. Love can only grow out of a respect for your own life.”

“You think when you don't want to do anything. Thinking is a poor alternative to acting. Your thinking is consuming all your energy. Act, don't think!”