“The most evident of truths — that all of us are created equal — is the star that guides us still.” — Barack Obama during his inaugural address Monday. The president referred to the progress of civil rights, placing gay rights in equal importance with rights for women and racial minorities.

“I think that honesty is always the best bet and that the truth will set you free.”  — Sheryl Crow on ex-boyfriend Lance Armstrong’s doping confession. Crow made this comment during a segment of “The Tonight Show” this week.

“Lower your expectations.” — John Mayer at his first concert in months, in Bozeman, Mont., last Wednesday. The artist referred to his recent operation to remove a granuloma, which caused a distortion in his normal singing ability.