My grandmother valued even the smallest of things.

The tenacious character I've possessed since I was a small child propelled me to successfully meet this challenge, and I was able to safely gain acceptance to the university of my choice.

I cannot say that I was a particularly diligent student, especially during the lower grades.

I suppose the reason I chose electrical engineering was because I had always been interested in electricity, involving myself in such projects as building radios from the time I was a child.

My natural mother died one month after I was born, apparently due to giving birth at an advanced age.

When it came time to find employment, I set my sights on becoming an engineer at a home electronics manufacturer, a field that was closely related to my major at university.

The Faculty of Technology of Tohoku University is renowned for its tradition of practical studies.

Most of the work performed by a development engineer results in failure.

In such an environment, I was able to study things that could be of immediate usefulness to the world. That learning experience undoubtedly served me well when I eventually entered the work force.

In 1978, I entered Tohoku University, into the Department of Electrical Engineering, Faculty of Technology.

From my father, I learned the importance of working sincerely at things to which I had committed myself, and to persevere untiringly even in the face of little progress.

However, the occasional visit of success provides just the excitement an engineer needs to face work the following day.

Upon receiving my notification of acceptance to the university, my parents noticed that they were obliged to submit to the university, among other things, a copy of my official family register. After much mental anguish, they decided to inform me of the secret of my birth.

My grandmother valued even the smallest of things.

The thought grew strong in me that since I had gone to the trouble of being born, I might as well be useful in helping people live long and healthy lives. And this thought has always resided in the back of my mind.

I feel great about myself and about my life.

I was one of those weird children that just couldn't talk to people, so I kind of had to make myself be not like that because I knew it was going to hinder me.

Wicked thoughts and worthless efforts gradually set their mark on the face, especially the eyes.

The nature of creativity is to make space for things to happen... We can drive it out with our busyness and plans.

About all you can do in life is be who you are. Some people will love you for you. Most will love you for what you can do for them, and some won't like you at all.

We British and Americans have never been conquered and occupied by the Germans, or forced to make the choice between defiance and collaboration, or haunted by the choices, evasions and moral ambiguities that only a defeated and occupied country can feel.

I'll be honest - I never saw myself making a ninja movie, never entertained the idea. I think ninja films can be quite cheesy unless you do them in feudal Japan.

People talk about alienation in the city. Diners are a place where you feel comfortable, an extension of your house.

I am the best. There is nobody better than me.

Even here in America, people are fighting for civil rights 45 years after the civil rights movement.

I am convinced that God wanted me to be a baseball player.

'Time' is an internationalist publication catering to internationalist readers who are not only interested in their own backyard.

I never looked at hockey as work. Now that I'd finished playing, I had to go to work.

I do not think it possible for anyone to get by in life without prejudice. However, the attempt to do so leads many people to suppose that, in order to decide any moral question, they have to find an indubitable first principle from which they can deduce an answer.

With people of limited ability modesty is merely honesty. But with those who possess great talent it is hypocrisy.

Despite 'Mod Squad's hit status, I never really made the inner connection that I was contributing.

We must be willing to let go of the life we planned so as to have the life that is waiting for us.

I came from a tough neighborhood. I used to be a 'dirty Greek.'

I got a job as a human rights and refugees officer, working on youth-based projects. But I realized all the kids I was working with were far more into 'The Daily Show' than the policy briefings.

Those who said I'm not an out-and-out goal-scorer are probably right. I always feel I could score more.

Two children of same cruel parent look at one another and see in each other the image of the cruel parent or the image of their past oppressor. This is very much the case between Jew and Arab: It's a conflict between two victims.

I am far from perfect, but I have something else. I heard that people in the industry are longing for more personality and diversity. Perhaps I am more a 'character' than a model.

No one can be good for long if goodness is not in demand.

I say stupid white men are always the problem. That's never going to change.