Be careful who you choose for friends

Keep away from people who try to belittle your ambitions. Small people always do that, but the really great make you feel that you, too, can become great.

Mark Twain

Having soul is about what you give to others

Soul is when you have the ability to make other people feel better about being alive, regardless of their condition.

Wynton Marsalis, remembering Ed Bradley
60 Minutes

Don't get even -- laugh

Some people are like slinkies -- not really good for anything, but they still bring a smile to your face when you push them down a flight of stairs.

Willydo (HT: Little Miss, Miles Away From Here)