You see, I have this little black book where I have written down some of my most personal and well-hidden treasures.

Well, hold on, it’s actually not all that well hidden, as most days it can be found right there on my desk at work. It’s my little black book (of quotes).

And I love a good quote, which should hardly be a surprise, especially coming from someone who makes his living in the news business. But, like a person’s choice of music, or books, the quotes that mean the most to you should also say something of who you are. They don’t necessarily define you, per se, yet they may shed some light into who you are and the things which mean the most to you.

So, here are some of my most cherished quotes.

“Our children are not our children. They are the sons and daughters of life’s longing for itself. You may house their bodies but not their souls.For their souls dwell in the house of tomorrow, which you cannot visit, not even in your dreams.” – Kahlil Gibran

Wow, what a beautiful, powerful quote. It always reminds me to appreciate my children each and every day (even when they are screaming). The time will soon come when they will vanish into forever without me, with only the echo of their laughter to warm my soul.

“That man is nearest to God, who pardoneth, when he had in his power him who would have injured him.” – Muhammad   

“Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man’s character, give him power.” – Abraham Lincoln

These quotes fall in line with similar themes – the abuse of power. I really, really, really dislike (I try not to use the word hate) those who mistreat others simply because they can. The first quote speaks of the power of mercy, which I really like. After all, it’s not about who you may dominate when favor falls upon you, but what you do with it that counts. And I’m not too sure if it’s even legal to quote Honest Abe this far South, but … we’ll beg your pardon and keep it moving.

“A brilliant man would find a way not to fight a war.” – Isoroku Yamamoto

One thing I can say I hate is war. This may come as a surprise to some of my friends, who know how many books I’ve read and my lifelong interest and fascination with the subject, but war is a horrible and awful thing that must only be considered once all other avenues have been exhausted. Unfortunately, it’s often the first option chosen. Yamamoto understood this, which is why he responded with this famous quote when someone commented on the “brilliance” of his surprise attack plan for Pearl Harbor. Millions of souls around the world would agree with him before the bloodshed ended. Will we never learn?

“We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed.” – II Corinthians 4:8, 9

I came upon these verses (quotes) during a very dark time in my life and they have helped me through all the tough days since. Are there any other verses of scripture more relevant for our time than these?
Now, it’s time for what I would consider to be the closest thing to what I would consider my life quote, or a philosophy I believe in and try to follow. The first time I read this it was a “that’s it!” moment. We all have ambitions, but mine really aren’t all that complicated. If I can somehow pull off half of these words, it will all have been worth it.

“To laugh often and much, to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children, to earn the appreciation of honest critics, to appreciate beauty, to find the best in others, to leave the world a bit better … to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded.” – Emerson

There you have it – some of my most beloved quotes.

Now I want to hear from you. What are your favorite quotes and those words which have stoked the passions in your heart? Drop me an e-mail at michael.rosier@morris.com, and if I receive enough of them we may even have a second quotes column.