Now our founding fathers had the wisdom to know that social acceptance and popularity were fleeing and that this country's principles needed to be rooted in strengths greater than the passions and the emotions of the times.

I'm not wise but the beginning of wisdom is there it's like relaxing into - and an acceptance of - things.

I believe we have become paralyzed paralyzed by our desire to be loved. Now our founding fathers had the wisdom to know that social acceptance and popularity were fleeing and that this country's principles needed to be rooted in strengths greater than the passions and the emotions of the times.

I've stopped apologizing to myself for having this great period of success and financial acceptance.

I think human society for tens of thousands of years has sent young men out in small groups to do things that are necessary but very dangerous. And they've always gotten killed doing it. And they've always turned it into a matter of honor and a way of gaining acceptance back into society if they survived.

Acceptance of the power of God in one's life lays the groundwork for personal commitment to both science and Christianity which so often have been in conflict.

We may not always agree with every one of our neighbors. That's life. And it's part of living in such a diverse and dense city. But we also recognize that part of being a New Yorker is living with your neighbors in mutual respect and tolerance. It was exactly that spirit of openness and acceptance that was attacked on 9/11 2001.

Parents need to teach their children principles of respect and acceptance.

The fact that the adult American Negro female emerges a formidable character is often met with amazement distaste and even belligerance. It is seldom accepted as an inevitable outcome of the struggle won by survivors and deserves respect if not enthusiastic acceptance.

These years in silence and reflection made me stronger and reminded me that acceptance has to come from within and that this kind of truth gives me the power to conquer emotions I didn't even know existed.