I write because I have authority from life to do so.

I am building a stairway to the stars. I have the authority to take the whole of mankind up there with me. That is why I write.

People with really weak characters cause an immense amount of suffering in the world. They destroy whole civilisations.

Love is mutually feeding each other, not one living on another like a ghoul.

Poverty has a home in Africalike a quiet second skin.It may be the only place on earth where it is worn with unconscious dignity.

A discipline I have observed is an attitude of love and reverence to people.

Leaders succeed or fail depending on whether or not they clarify role expectations and keep their promises.

I love foolish people because I am not enough of a fool to not love them.

Isn't it true that a well-read book seems more alive to you, Ms Rainn?

Sixteen years I've pounded my head against the mentality of America, which...I'd say it's about an 8th grade emotional level.

That is what we are supposed to do when we are at our best - make it all up - but make it up so truly that later it will happen that way.

No one has to give you permission to make music or make art.

My life is pretty well at peace, and the profession is more of an avocation. It's a calling, if you like, rather than a job. I do what I feel impelled to do, as an artist would.

Every woman's man, and every man's woman.

What I can control is how I react. I can't control anything else.

I'm sure there are people who say like, "I was wearing weird emo eyeliner," but there's something pretty embarrassing about the jazz phase.