Being a better songwriter, that's top of the list because I think that is a very intimidating, difficult task. I really admire people that just continue to write and get stronger.

I think that's the hardest part for an artist is finding their voice and learning how to write, finding what they have to say that is unique.

The only thing tougher than developing leadership skills is attempting to be successful without them.

But maybe because I'm from a part of the country where there are more meth labs than drive-throughs, anything harder than cough syrup always makes me nervous.

Love can be understood only "from the inside " as a language can be understood only by someone who speaks it as a world can be understood only by someone who lives in it.

In economic terms, we've always thought of work as a disutility - as something you do to get something else. Now it's increasingly a utility - something that's valuable and worthy in its own right.

I actually thought I had a meeting with congressman [Elijah] Cummings and he was all excited. Then he said, I can't move, it might be bad for me politically. I was all set.

You go on reacting to the image not to the person, and hence there is no relationship. When there is no image, then there is relationship.

I enjoy nakedness. I am a bit of a naturist at heart.

I go straight from thinking about my narrator to being him.

Christianity will only make a contribution to the future of Europe if it can prove that people like Sam Harris are wrong and that we can make peace.

Probably we'll think of Bush in years to come as an American hero.