Sometimes hard work doesn't pay off.
Basically, nice guys can finish last.
I've definitely had the experience where I was pursuing someone for a long time that I just obviously did not connect with, so I was always, kind of altering myself for her, But then you realize it's just not worth it. What's the point?
Pioneers will always get the stones, when everyone later gets the accolades.
Sometimes a noble failure serves the world as faithfully as a distinguished success.
I've never asked or demanded a penny from United.
History provides neither compensation for suffering nor penalties for wrong.
I think that burnout happens because of resentment. That notion that, 'Wow, I worked 100 hours last week, and I couldn't even have this thing that I really wanted.'
Everything I've done in my career has been for nothing.
It's been sickening how much money I've passed up.
It is bitter to think of one's best years disappearing in this unpolished country.
I'm just used to working harder than everybody and other people taking the credit.
It's good to be a martyr for your art, but it's just such a waste of time.
I worked very hard to be a diva. But it never worked.
Some folks work their hands off up to the elbows to give their young-uns education, and all they do is send their young-uns to Hell.
There is no sense to a sacrifice after you come to feel that it is a sacrifice.
Eaten bread is forgotten.
A man has cause for regret only when he sows and no one reaps.
With the abuse, and wear and tear the body takes in this career, it's ridiculous to put in that time and effort and have nothing to show for it.
I have done so much for hip-hop and 'til this day, I haven't received any awards or any recognition for it.
A lot of work - unattributed, with no dollars - goes into taking care of kids.
The price I have personally paid for these extra Sisyphean years has been prohibitive.
I am not disposed to complain that I have planted and others have gathered the fruits.
There is something inherently foolish in soldiering on when there is no hope of payoff.