I've done a lot of tough stories over the years. I've done a lot of profiles over the years that have not always been, shall we say, helpful for the person who is being written about.

Media has changed dramatically, as you and I know. We're in a world now where you're rewarded for being outrageous. Punditry has replaced reporting as the gold standard of journalism.

I think as long as you're straight with people, as long as you honor ground rules, as long as you serve your readers, you're going to get the door opened for you.

I'm sure people are badmouthing me. I think one of the interesting parts about the criticism has been the tenor of "how dare he." How dare an insider speak critically about other insiders?

I always keep my repertorial hat on.

Spirituality in Washington can be more of a - I don't want to say it - but, a networking opportunity. Religion is often used opportunistically in the political conversation.

I think that part of being a good journalist, part of being an awake member of the world youre in, is to view yourself as an outsider, and I always have, to some degree.

Washington has always had a pretty healthy amount of self-loathing.

I'm just a journalist. I shine a mirror to the culture. I give the cop-out answer.

The shaming of Washington, insofar as it is even possible, is a very noble pursuit.

I work for a big newspaper, and I guess I'm an insider. I don't have the luxury of calling myself a foreign correspondent and just swooping in and then leaving.

Are you impressed when you meet people who are filled with passion and conviction? Their energy is contagious and can make us all want “some of what they’re having!

Know that dreaming is a waste of sleeping time and energy if you don’t wake up to achieve them.

I can hit it farther on the moon. But actually, my swing is better here on Earth.

Do not dwell on what once was, but rather look forward and ponder how you can make the future brighter

Allow rather than resist what arises in the present moment-inside or out. Let it be interesting rather than good or bad.

You must always remember that to lead, one must first learn to follow.

I'm not quite pompous enough to think of myself as an educator or a man capable of definitive refutation of falsehoods.

[Kite Runner and A Thousand Splendid Suns] is not just unique to books, but films and music.

Sexiness isn't being young, hot and wearing a bikini. It's being powerful and feeling like you belong in your skin and it feels good.

I may have been fierce, but never low or underhand.