If a comparative-literature major had existed at Harvard College for undergraduates I would have surely gone in that direction.

I may well do some more polemical writing, if a subject that fires me up comes along. Apart from that possibility, I would like to continue to tell stories so long as I have stories to tell.

I think that Jews - because they are a distinct, gifted and successful group that differentiates itself from societies in which it lives - are vulnerable wherever the rule of law is not paramount.

I have no interest in writing confessions, in deliberately baring myself to my readers. I prefer to remain behind a screen.

You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.

It is the most miserable thing to feel ashamed of home.

Have confidence in your ideas before they even exist.

I have never in any way found the idea of celebrity appealing. Anonymity is much more appealing.

My parents gave me stability and a belief in myself and in all the possibilities life has to offer. I was told the only limitations I would ever face were those I placed upon myself.

Every man looks out for himself, and he has the happiest life who manages to hoodwink himself best of all.

It's when the thing itself is missing that you have to supply the word.

We do know that [Hillary Clinton] was probably attacked and smeared as much as any candidate ever has been. We know that.

Your mind, your heart, and your balls gotta be in one accord.

The way I work with my cinematographer is not based on general principles, but the ideas are triggered by the locations where we shoot.