David Letterman

"The more you know about someone, the more complicated they become."

"I think it's important to find humor even in difficult situations."

"Loyalty is rare, especially in show business. When you find it, hold on to it."

"Time is the one thing you can't get back, so use it wisely."

"People underestimate the power of genuine interest in their lives."

"I never wanted to be a celebrity—I just wanted to make people laugh."

"The worst thing you can do is think you have all the answers."

"Change is constant. Either adapt or become irrelevant."

"Authenticity is what people respond to. You can't fake it for thirty years."

"My job was to ask questions that make people think about what they just said."

"You learn more from failure than from success if you pay attention."

"The human condition is endlessly fascinating if you're willing to listen."

"I think gratitude is the most underrated human emotion."

"Persistence matters more than talent in most endeavors."

"I've found that most people are kind if you approach them with kindness."

"The strength of a person is often hidden until they're tested."

"Imagination is what separates people. Some have more than others."

"Power isn't about dominance. It's about influence and respect."

"The difference between suicide and martyrdom is press coverage."

"I want to thank you for stopping by. I know you have a lot of choices, and I appreciate you choosing us."

"Democracy is a beautiful thing, except for the voting part."

"If you smile in the mirror, the smile comes back at you."

"The only thing standing between you and your goal is the story you keep telling yourself."

"You know what they call a guy who pays attention to grammar? A guy who didn't go to prison."

"The most unfair thing about life is the way it ends. I mean, life is tough. It takes up a lot of your time."

"I'm thinking of taking up meditation. Just to stop my brain from thinking about things I've already thought about."

"New York's a wonderful city. But you've got to have a lot of dough to enjoy it."

"People are stupid. People will believe anything."

"The smallest package comes in the form of a person who thinks they can do it."

"I realized that comedians of my generation are not going to change the world."