Mike Royko

"Fear is just Chicago winter dressed up as anxiety."

"The truth is usually simpler than the lies we tell about it."

"Work that doesn't challenge you is just passing time."

"Imagination is the one thing no politician can regulate."

"History repeats itself because we never learn the first time."

"The best revenge is building a better life."

"Death is the only honest thing about us all."

"Perseverance isn't about never falling—it's about getting up differently each time."

"Gratitude is the antidote to a bitter life."

"Creativity flourishes when you stop trying to impress everyone."

"Justice delayed is justice forgotten in Chicago."

"Patience is what we practice when we have no other choice."

"Kindness costs nothing but is worth everything."

"True strength is admitting when you're wrong."

"Power corrupts everyone—some just hide it better."

"Health is what we ignore until we lose it."

"Adventure is what happens when you ignore the sensible advice."

"Technology promises to save time—then fills it with more distractions."

"War creates widows and orphans, not solutions."

"Politics is show business for people who failed at actual entertainment."

"Every revolution starts with someone refusing to accept the way things are."

"Relationships require the courage to be completely honest."

"Solitude teaches you who you really are."

"The beauty in life is often found in the forgotten details."

"Faith is believing in something bigger than your own disappointments."

"Leadership is earned through showing up when others quit."

"Dreams without action are just expensive entertainment."

"Humor is how we survive what we can't fix."

"Nature doesn't negotiate—it just waits for us to catch up."

"Art should make you uncomfortable, or it's just decoration."