Kobe Bryant in the third quarter against the Utah Jazz at Staples Center in April 2016.

Over the years, Kobe Bryant inspired countless people, and not just athletes. His influence stretched far beyond sports, touching art, culture, business and his family.

And over the years he shared his own thoughts and wisdom on a wide range of subjects. Here's the late Kobe Bryant, in his own words.

On sacrifice:

"We all can be masters at our craft, but you have to make a choice. What I mean by that is, there are inherent sacrifices that come along with that. Family time, hanging out with friends, being a great friend, being a great son, nephew, whatever the case may be. There are sacrifices that come along with making that decision."

On the cultural contributions of black athletes:

"(They've been) crucial. What we stand for, what America stands for, the cultural melting pot that is America, the diversity that is America, it's all about moving that culture forward. From Muhammad Ali to Bill Russell, that's what they've done, that's what they've pioneered and its our responsibility to try to carry it forward."

Gianna and Kobe Bryant at the WNBA All-Star Game in July 2019.

On raising his daughter, Gianna:

"The best thing that happens is when we go out and fans would come up to me and she'll be standing next to me and they'll be like, 'You've gotta have a boy ... You gotta have somebody to carry on your tradition, the legacy.' "She's like, 'Oy, I got this. Don't need no boy for that.' I'm like, that's right. Yes you do, you got this."

Read more of his words here.