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

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.

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.

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 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.

People meet when they need to meet.

Strong government doesn't mean simply military power or an efficient intelligence apparatus. Instead, it should mean effective, fair administration - in other words, 'good governance.'

All sentient beings have the seed of the Buddha within them.

I come from a family of business people, but I had the idea I wanted to become an artist.

The saddest thing in life is people with sight, but without vision.

That’s what religion does. It points a finger. It causes wars. It breaks apart countries. It’s a petri dish for stereotypes to grow in. Religion’s not about being holy...Just holier-than-thous.

In the order of literature, as in others, there is no act that is not the coronation of an infinite series of causes and the source of an infinite series of effects.

The constitution expects every man to do his duty; and when he fails the law urges him; or should he do too much; the same master rebukes him.

As we passed on, it seemed those scenes of visionary enchantment would never have an end.

Men will believe anything at all provided they are under no obligation to believe it.