Truth

Be your own light, your own refuge.

Believe only that which you test for yourself.

Do not accept authority merely because it comes from a great man

or is written in a sacred book,

for truth is different for each man and woman.

-Buddha                                                  

When I was a senior in high school, another student did a large painting for a gallery opening of senior students' art. It was a self-portrait and over the image he wrote this quote. I was completely blown away by the quote. It was one of those moments when I felt like I was seeing for the first time. It had a profound effect on me. I took a photo of the piece and I still have it to this day.