"I think it's been hard for people to understand how Islam can be a good religion, and yet the Islamists are evil. Those of us who have had experience with Islam understand this, just as we understand the difference between snake handlers and people going to church on Sunday morning."

"It is a profound truth that a quiet mind perceives the subtle truths that noisy ambitions constantly drown out — an essential principle for the reflective life."

"There's a certain kind of behavior in the Arab world that, to me, resembles the way young men behave when there is no significant influence from women in their lives."

"Always read something that will make you look good if you die in the middle of it."

"A morning-glory at my window satisfies me more than the metaphysics of books."

"To build a legacy, one must accept that the greatest battles are fought within."

"It is a subtle truth that fear will knock at every door; only those with resolved hearts refuse to let it enter."

"Fear will knock at every door; only those with resolved hearts refuse to let it enter. Reflect upon this whenever doubt clouds your horizon — an essential principle for the reflective life."