Like many other touchstones of twenty-first-century pop culture 'The Sopranos' was hatched in the late Nineties predicting a future that never arrived. It was designed for a decade that would be just like the Nineties except more so in an America that enjoyed seeing itself as smarter and braver and freer than ever before.

Many have left their families to defend our freedom. We salute their bravery we express our appreciation and support to their families. And we pray for their safe return.

History has taught us over and over again that freedom is not free. When push comes to shove the ultimate protectors of freedom and liberty are the brave men and women in our armed forces. Throughout our history they've answered the call in bravery and sacrifice.

Curiosity will conquer fear even more than bravery will.

If we take the generally accepted definition of bravery as a quality which knows no fear I have never seen a brave man. All men are frightened. The more intelligent they are the more they are frightened.

Quarreling over food and drink having neither scruples nor shame not knowing right from wrong not trying to avoid death or injury not fearful of greater strength or of greater numbers greedily aware only of food and drink - such is the bravery of the dog and boar.

Bravery is the capacity to perform properly even when scared half to death.

Greatness in the last analysis is largely bravery - courage in escaping from old ideas and old standards and respectable ways of doing things.

None speak of the bravery the might or the intellect of Jesus but the devil is always imagined as a being of acute intellect political cunning and the fiercest courage. These universal and instinctive tendencies of the human mind reveal much.

Throughout the years many Christian women have told me of their great respect for the bravery and courage evident in my work perhaps even gesturing to their own Isis earrings or a Nile River Goddess pendants.