An ounce of mother is worth a ton of priest.

You must get involved to have an impact. No one is impressed with the won-loss record of the referee.

"DILBERT" CREATOR ON INFLUENCE Scott Adams, creator of the popular "Dilbert" cartoon, tells this story about his beginnings as a cartoonist: You don't have to be a "person of influence" to be influential. In fact, the most influential people in my life probably are not even aware of the things they've taught me. When I was trying to become a syndicated cartoonist, I sent my portfolio to one cartoon editor after another -- and received one rejection after another. One editor even called and suggested that I take art classes. Then Sarah Gillespie, an editor at United Media and one of the real experts in the field, called to offer me a contract. At first, I didn't believe her. I asked if I'd have to change my style, get a partner -- or learn how to draw. But she believed I was already good enough to be a nationally syndicated cartoonist. Her confidence in me completely changed my frame of reference and altered how I thought about my own abilities. This may sound bizarre, but from the minute I got off the phone with her, I could draw better. You can see a marked improvement in the quality of the cartoons I drew after that conversation. James M. Kouzes and Barry Posner, Encouraging The Heart (Jossey-Bass, 1999); submitted by Van Morris, Mount Washington, Kentucky

“My mother always said association brings assimilation, meaning you will act like the people you hang around.” - Comedian/actor Chris Rock answering the question, “What did your parents tell you that you never believed—until now?” Teen People, May 2003, p. 72.

"I pray that when I die, all of hell will throw a party to celebrate the fact that I'm no longer in the fight."