During my lifetime, America has been constantly waging war against much of humanity: impoverished people mostly, in stricken places.

Official truths are often powerful illusions.

It is time we recognized that the real terrorism is poverty.

It is not enough for journalists to see themselves as mere messengers without understanding the hidden agendas of the message and the myths that surround it.

There isn't a war on terror, there is a war of terror.

If I were a teacher, I would recommend that all my students very hurriedly read most of Orwell's books, especially 1984 and Animal Farm, because then they'd begin to understand the world we live in.

Two increasing themes which appear to dominate our listening, reading and watching lives are propaganda and 'national security', or manufactured war.

Secretive power loathes journalists who do their job: who push back screens, peer behind façades, lift rocks. Opprobrium from on high is their badge of honour.

There is no war on terrorism; it is the great game speeded up. The difference is the rampant nature of the superpower, ensuring infinite dangers for us all.

In these surreal days, there is one truth. Nothing justified the killing of innocent people in America last week and nothing justifies the killing of innocent people anywhere else.

An elite group of less than a billion people now take more than 80 per cent of the world's wealth.

The creative mind plays with the object it loves.

I’ve seen how you can’t learn anything when you’re trying to look like the smartest person in the room.

I cannot imagine a God who rewards and punishes the objects of his creation and is but a reflection of human frailty.

They who derive their worth from their ancestors resemble potatoes, the most valuable part of which is underground.

The concept of downsizing so that others might upgrade is biblical, beautiful...and nearly unheard of. We either close the gap or don't take the words of the Bible literally.

If you live in the city, it is necessary to get out of it on weekends. Then you will realize that most of the thoughts and desires you have are not yours. You will see what is you.

If you want the old me, go buy my old albums.

My dad also plays a little banjo and guitar, my mom plays the mandolin.

I have changed my definition of tragedy. I now think tragedy is not foul deeds done to a person (usually noble in some manner) but rather that tragedy is irresolvable conflict.

I certainly have more enthusiasm when I'm dealing with marginalized people in Japan, and as a creative person I am part of that marginalization.