Pessimism is a mental disease. It means illness in the person who voices it, and in the society which produces that person.

While receiving radiation treatment for a thyroid illness, I had refused to take beta-blockers – a medication that would have eased its side effects – because they were deemed illegal by the sport’s governing body, the International Association of Athletics Federations.

I was diagnosed with Graves’ disease, an illness of the thyroid gland. Instead of surgery, I was given radiation treatment.

Cynicism is humor in ill health.

Without literature, life is hell.

A love like that was a serious illness, an illness from which you never entirely recover.

The single observation I would offer for your consideration is that some things are beyond your control. You can lose your health to illness or accident. You can lose your wealth to all manner of unpredictable sources. What are not easily stolen from you without your cooperation are your principles and your values. They are your most important possessions and, if carefully selected and nurtured, will well serve you and your fellow man.