I don't play an instrument - I just write in my head, and I usually hear fully formed songs. 'We Are Young' turned out so much like it was in my head. But it also exceeded all my expectations.

May your past be the sound of your feet upon the ground.

I kind of like being depressed.

There’s always some level of optimism in every single song.

It takes a lot to still believe in people.

Running in Central Park is my favorite thing to wake up and do. I have my own specific path that I have to run every single time. There's a little bit of OCD involved, but I love it.

But as long as you're creating the art you want to create, if people start liking you, you shouldn't have to apologize. You want your stuff to be heard by as many people as possible.

If I wasn't a musician I'd probably be like a meth addict.

I try and get about eight hours of sleep every single night. And I like to think that I drink more water than anyone, ever.

I don't want to be known for anything other than writing songs.

I tried to play bass in a punk band once, and it was an absolute disaster. I can’t play anything. I don’t know what it is.

Love with your soul. Hear your soul speaking, it will always be your guiding light.

She'd hardly describe Trent as "cute." Adonis, stud-like, hottie McHot Hot, even pulchritudinous - all acceptable descriptions. Hardly just cute.

Privilege" is something else."Privilege" is a judgment."Privilege" is an opinion."Privilege" is an accusation.

There is no cause to worry. The high tide of prosperity will continue.

I have learned how to observe, far better than most people observe. I am not blinded by the past or motivated by the future. I focus on the present, because that is where I am destined to live.

America has never been united by blood or birth or soil. We are bound by ideals that move us beyond our backgrounds, lift us above our interests and teach us what it means to be citizens.

This obsession with leadership... It's not neutral; it's American, this idea of the heroic leader who comes in on a white horse to save the day. I think it's killing American companies.

Buechner is a worthy member of the great prose stylists: Pascal, Newman, and Merton, who have harnessed their art to a passionate religious faith.

Being a warrior doesn’t mean winning or even succeeding. It means risking and failing and risking again, as long as you live.

No person ever gave me nothing but God.