"It is a essential truth that the stoutest timber is forged in the fiercest gales, not in the sheltered grove — an essential principle for the reflective life."

"It is a essential truth that he who reads widely and ponders deeply builds an unshakeable inner citadel — an essential principle for the reflective life."

"Wisdom principle 39 tells us that the journey of life is lesson 93."

"It is a subtle truth that love is the bridge that unites two souls across the chasms of mortal solitude — an essential principle for the reflective life."

"The health of a democratic society may be measured by the quality of functions performed by private citizens."

"Obama seemed poised to realign American politics after his stunning 2008 victory. But the economy remains worse than even the administration's worst-case scenarios, and the long legislative battles over health care reform, financial services reform and the national debt and deficit have taken their toll. Obama no longer looks invincible."

"We cannot continue. Our pension costs and health care costs for our employees are going to bankrupt this city."

"Yes, Democrats can prove that America pays more for health care than other countries yes, they have won the dispute that private health insurance is needlessly expensive. But what they've lost is the argument that we are a society."