Alicia Keys

I first fell in love with the piano, I knew it was me. I was dying to play.

A great song can pull me out of a slump and lighten my heart.

[on Prince] I learned about music that didn’t have any barriers or any kind of, like, containment. I learned about wild, crazy topics and ways to express yourself that had never been written in quite that way before. I learned that a human being could be able to defy all stereotypes, and be the epitome of badassness.

I love learning about different religions, and discovering the different ways to worship, and to love the greatness and the higher being that surrounds us all. I definitely believe in a bigger presence, and I really respect all religions; at their core they all teach the same message – community and kindness and looking out for each other.

Only a woman can breathe under the water of life defying gravity and staying zen while doing it.

I’m open and ready to go to the next place, the next level, the next height.

Now that the baby is coming, I will do a lot more balancing. I’m going to be a real mommy.

Every day, people serve their neighbors and our nation in many different ways, from helping a child learn and easing the loneliness of those without a family to defending our freedom overseas. It is in this spirit of dedication to others and to our country that I believe service should be broadly and deeply encouraged.

When I get up and work out, I’m working out just as much for my girls as I am for me, because I want them to see a mother who loves them dearly, who invests in them, but who also invests in herself. It’s just as much about letting them know as young women that it is okay to put yourself a little higher on your priority list.

My daughter hasn’t seen me with anybody in five years. I’m very, very selective when it comes to that because I want to make sure that it’s real. I don’t want her to see me with just anybody because she means everything to me.

Nothing can stop me from loving my brother.

I’m going to let people know that it’s cool to have a child and be young and still be a good mom. It’s really tough, but I’m doing it.

How do people make it through life without a sister?

I know some people say it’s not the best to work with your family, but I have never understood that because it’s always worked so well for me.

My daughters are the heart of my heart and the center of my world.

You know, it’s the silliness in me. It has always been there. I love to make people laugh. It comes from my family. My family is funny.

Between a man and his wife nothing ought to rule but love. Authority is for children and servants, yet not without sweetness.

Having a sister is like having a best friend you can’t get rid of. You know whatever you do, they’ll still be there.

Brothers and sisters are as close as hands and feet.

You have to love your children unselfishly. That is hard. But it is the only way.

A sibling represents a person’s past, present, and future.