Every country that's ever been the most powerful country in the world ceases to be the most powerful country in the world at some point.

Townes Van Zandt is the best songwriter in the whole world, and I'll stand on Bob Dylan's coffee table in my cowboy boots and say that.

America's criminal justice system isn't known for rehabilitation. I'm not sure that, as a society, we are even interested in that concept anymore.

I don't believe that songwriting has to be profound, but I truly believe that it's a crime for you to go outta your way for it not to be.

I have a low tolerance for mediocrity in music and life. I'm into pain and joy and the in-between doesn't interest me.

Actually, in its purest form, Islam is incredibly tolerant. That makes what's going on in the world really bizarre.

All we do as songwriters is rewrite the songs that have impressed us till we find our own voice. It's part of learning the craft.

You see things differently at 40 than you do at 31. Especially if you got to 40 the way I did.

Every day on Earth is another chance to get it right.

I don't really think in terms of obstacles. My biggest obstacle is always myself.

To me, religion is an agreement between a group of people about what God is. Spirituality is a one-on-one relationship.

Being a team player should not imply a demand for simple obedience and conformity.

I suspect that marriage is like parenthood: every last one of us is an amateur at it.

I knew I had done something awful. I had killed love, before I even knew the enormity of what love meant.

A good problem statement often includes what is known, what is unknown, and what is sought.

I don't believe in sharing my money. If I go out and work my nuts off and make some money, I don't feel that I should have to share it with my community.

All you wanna do in life is do what you do well. That's when you're happiest.

This then is the age of reason.

Let us agree here today to adopt among ourselves a simple and unwritten rule. We will not rise to criticize someone else's idea unless we are prepared to offer an alternative idea of our own.

I listen with attention to the judgment of all men; but so far as I can remember, I have followed none but my own.

First kill me before you take possession of my Fatherland.