Editor, peace advocate, and healing pioneer Norman Cousins believed in the chemistry of hope, the medicine of laughter, and the responsibility each of us carries in a democracy. His words remind us that our choices, our compassion, and even our sense of humor can help mend both the body and the world.

“Death is not the greatest loss in life. The greatest loss is what dies inside us while we live.”

“It is no longer correct to regard higher education solely as a privilege. It is a basic right in today’s world.”

“A book is like a piece of rope; it takes on meaning only in connection with the things it holds together.”

“A library, to modify the famous metaphor of Socrates, should be the delivery room for the birth of ideas — a place where history comes to life.”

“In a democracy, the individual enjoys not only the ultimate power but carries the ultimate responsibility.”

“Hearty laughter is a good way to jog internally without having to go outdoors. It moves your internal organs around. It enhances respiration.”

“Don’t defy the diagnosis; try to defy the verdict.”

“If something comes to life in others because of you, then you have made an approach to immortality.”

“History is a vast early warning system.”

“It is well known that panic, despair, depression, hate, rage, exasperation, frustration all produce negative biochemical changes in the body.”

“Death is not the enemy; living in constant fear of it is.”

“It is not necessary to go off on a tour in order to find deity. Look within. You have to sit to do it.”