I think the criticism that I take to heart is from other writers that I respect.

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.

When we look up at night and view the stars, everything we see is shinning because of distant nuclear fusion.

A baby is born with a need to be loved - and never outgrows it.

It's still the classic thing to get nice lines, but knowing that your computer model, on your little machine, is on the screen, is priceless. And that doesn't happen too often I don't think.

Abilities wither under faultfinding, blossom with encouragement.

It's hard to build a brand, competitively, and tell people what you do as well.

And many of the people who buy or found banks have had no experience in banking at all. If they can learn it, so can we.

You are far more likely to do your best work if you are willing to delight a few as opposed to soothe the masses.

One of the most important things about social media is knowing when to put the phone down and experience your life.

The first rule of venture capitalism is hands-on experience. You have to get your hands dirty.

Few things loves better Than to abhor himself.