I think when you see [Donald] Trump in person, my reaction is you kind of enjoy it. It's kind of an enjoyable night out.

I tend to foster drama via bleakness. If I want the reader to feel sympathy for a character, I cleave the character in half, on his birthday. And then it starts raining. And he's made of sugar.

What I regret most in my life are failures of kindness.

What I regret most in my life are failures of kindness. Those moments when another human being was there, in front of me, suffering, and I responded . . . sensibly. Reservedly. Mildly.

Do those things that incline you toward the big questions, and avoid the things that would reduce you and make you trivial.

Developing our sympathetic compassion is not only possible but the only reason for us to be here on earth.

According to me, your life is going to be a gradual process of becoming kinder and more loving. Hurry up. Speed it along. Start right now.

It's a big world, and I really like it.

Character is that sum total of moments we can't explain.

The generalizing writer is like the passionate drunk, stumbling into your house mumbling: I know I'm not being clear, exactly, but don't you kind of feel what I'm feeling?

Kindness, it turns out, is hard - it starts out all rainbows and puppy dogs, and expands to include . . . well, EVERYTHING.

Be kind to him who does not deserve your kindness.

If you invest your time, talent, and resources, orphans around the world can have much happier and healthier lives.

The sound must seem an echo to the sense.

A fight is not won by one punch or kick. Either learn to endure or hire a bodyguard.

I have a weird vision of relationships because my parents have known each other since second grade, and they got married right out of college.

I try to make my bed every day for mental health. Coming home to an unmade bed or a room with clothes all over will depress me.

Being honest is my job. That's what music is for me.

We're really serious about reinventing everything that needs reinventing.

I could survive in a Turkish prison, probably.

Stay on the Lord's side, and you will win every time.