Alicia Keys

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.

Until we’re in those rooms as equally as men are, it can’t shift.

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

I was subscribing to this sick identity. … Stay in your place, be feminine, be a lady, don’t make too much noise.

Musicians have a really big part to play in spreading messages because they’re able to reach a large portion of people on an emotional level. Artists reach people at their heart; it’s the only time we meet in one place and put our differences aside. When you’re in a forum listening to music, all you feel in that moment is love and the understanding.

We think – or maybe we’re shown – that the only way to express ourselves is through that very sexy energy. I think there’s more than that which shows our power. For me, I sometimes feel the most sexy when I’m totally covered head to toe.

Everyone lives by selling something.

Become a possibilitarian. No matter how dark things seem to be or actually are, raise your sights and see the possibilities – always see them, for they are always there.

Always think positively and expect the best.

Look in my eyes right now – you see no sunken place.

My first professional job was to sell heavy-duty waterless cookware.

You are essentially who you create yourself to be and all that occurs in your life is the result of your own making.

At 25, I was in the audience of my first professional speaker, Bob Bales. His presentation got my attention. I had never seen anyone having so much fun ‘at work’ and getting paid for it!

The very best thing you can do for the whole world is to make the most of yourself.

My philosophy in life is this: if we make up our mind what we are going to make of our lives, then work hard toward that goal, we never lose – somehow we win out.

The world’s most deadly disease is hardening of the attitudes.

Everyone wants to go to Heaven, but no one wants to die.

When you try to come for me, I keep on flourishing.

If you’re going to have to swallow a frog, you don’t want to have to look at that sucker too long!

If you have built castles in the air, your work need not be lost; that is where they should be. Now put foundations under them.

By working faithfully eight hours a day you may eventually get to be boss and work twelve hours a day