Men hid behind religion to keep others from seeing how frightened they were, how inept.

The true measure of a man is how he behaves when death is close.

I’d always secretly believed that a love as fierce and true as mine would be rewarded in the end, and now I was being forced to accept the bitter truth.

Sometimes only pain can obliterate pain.

Influence is everything. One wrong influence can single handedly destroy every bit of your innocence and innocence is the root of all wisdom.

One day someone will fall in love with you despite all your flaws! Then magic will happen in your life!

I am hellbent on defying your expectations, at every turn, and even if you don't like what's being done, I dare you to find it uninteresting.

We're too smart to know there aren't easy answers. But we're not dumb enough to accept that there aren't better answers.

Writing is a hellish task, best snuck up on, whacked on the head, robbed and left for dead.

Anyone can spot a lie, unless he is in need of that lie.

Gwyneth Paltrow -- she always looks like she's about to cry. I wish someone would just kick her and get it over with. But I loved her in The Royal Tenenbaums.

I've built my whole life around loving music. I'm a writer for 'Rolling Stone,' so I am constantly searching for new bands and soaking up new sounds.

The more a person seeks security, the more that person gives up control over his life.

Doing something that is productive is a great way to alleviate emotional stress. Get your mind doing something that is productive.