During his time in the United States, Leon collected plenty of valuable “tools” which he believes are helpful not only for one to survive in the world of science, but also to grow as an individual and become a successful scientist. One such scientist and good friend gave him “How to swim with sharks” by Voltaire Cousteau, one of the most motivating stories applicable to any situation in life including science.

Leon shares the rest of his favorites with everyone.

First they ignore you, then they make fun of you, then they fight you, then you win. (Mahatma Gandhi)

The significant problems we face cannot be solved by the same level of thinking that created them. (Albert Einstein)

A journey of one thousand miles must begin with one step. (Ancient chinese proverb)

Avoid negative people. (H. Jackson Brown Jr.)

Dignity is not negotiable. Dignity is the honour of the family. (Vartan Gregorian)

Strive for Excellence not perfection. (H. Jackson Brown Jr.)

Do the hard job first. The easy jobs will take care of themselves. (Dale Carnegie)

Return all things you borrow. (H. Jackson Brown Jr.)

Be curious always! For knowledge will not acquire you: you must acquire it. (Sudie Back)

Never go to bed with dirty dishes in the sink. (H. Jackson Brown Jr.)

Stop blaming others. (H. Jackson Brown Jr.)

Everybody is somebody, so you don’t have to introduce anybody. (Vartan Gregorian)

Always accept an outstretched hand. (H. Jackson Brown Jr.)

Your future is created by what you do today, not tomorrow. (Robert Kiyosaki)

Don’t be afraid to say I made a mistake. (H. Jackson Brown Jr.)

The greatest danger for most of us is not that our aim is too high and we miss it, but that it is too low and we reach it. (Michelangelo)

Don’t be afraid to say I don’t know. (H. Jackson Brown Jr.)

Price is what you pay. Value is what you get. (Warren Buffet)

Keep your promises no matter what. (H. Jackson Brown Jr.)

Call your mother. (H. Jackson Brown Jr.)