“Can't be part of the rat race when you're one of the rats who knows you're in a cage.”

“Whatever you do, remember that. You're going to make a difference. A lot of times it won't be huge, it won't be visible even. But it will matter just the same. Don't do it for praise or money, that's what I want to tell you. Do it because it needs to be done. Do it to make your world better.”

“I loved you, you know... It's not my fault the world is what it is.”

“If you join the rat race — you're in the race of rats.”

“The trouble with being in the rat race is that even if you win, you're still a rat.”

“You matter, Mama repeated. Not because of whose son you are. Because of who you are. You're as important as every other human being that ever was or ever will be. Everyone matters.”

“The treasure shouldn't do the hunting, and you're a treasure.”