“I used to say, “I sure hope things will change.” Then I learned that the only way things are going to change for me is when I change.”

It isn’t what the book costs. It’s what it will cost you if you don’t read it.

I used to blame everything outside of me for my lack of progress until I found that my problem was inside.

Don’t join an easy crowd; you won’t grow.

Start reading, and especially read the kinds of books that will help you unleash your inner potential.

Never begrudge the money you spend on your own education.

The challenge of leadership is to be strong, but not rude; be kind, but not weak; be bold, but not bully; be thoughtful, but not lazy; be humble, but not timid; be proud, but not arrogant; have humor, but without folly.

Success is nothing more than a few simple disciplines, practiced every day.

The problem with waiting until tomorrow is that when it finally arrives, it is called today.

Formal education will make you a living; self-education will make you a fortune.

All leaders are readers.

Learning is the beginning of wealth. Learning is the beginning of health. Learning is the beginning of spirituality. Searching and learning is where the miracle process all begins.

Those who will not read are no better off than those who cannot read.

Discipline is the bridge between goals and accomplishment.

I think everybody should study ants. They have an amazing four-part philosophy. Never give up, look ahead, stay positive and do all you can.

Get around people who have something of value to share with you. Their impact will continue to have a significant effect on your life long after they have departed.

If you don’t design your own life plan, chances are you’ll fall into someone else’s plan. And guess what they have planned for you? Not much.

All truly great art is optimistic. The individual artist is happy in his creative work. The fact that practically all great art is tragic does not in any way change the above thesis.

You don’t have to be satisfied with America as you find it. You can change it. I didn’t like the way I found America some sixty years ago, and I’ve been trying to change it ever since.

To me, eyewear goes way beyond being a prescription. It’s like makeup. It’s the most incredible accessory. The shape of a frame or the color of lenses can change your whole appearance.

Life is meant for living.. I know that sounds simplistic, but how many days do you let slip by without really doing something, accomplishing something, making a life change, a lifestyle change?

I can’t change the whole world but I can change my world.

We can only change what we are willing to change.

Fatherhood is the best thing I ever did. It changes your perspective. You can write a book, you can make a movie, you can paint a painting, but having kids is really the most extraordinary thing I have taken on.

When brides ask me, “What’s the best advice you can give me on my wedding day?” I always have the same answer: “Be yourself.” Someone’s marrying you, they love you for who you are, and they don’t want you to be someone else.