Terry Gross has never had me on her show and you know, it's her show; she sets the agenda and that's not Hodgman. But I'll still listen to it.

Generally speaking, I think it is fair to say that I am a friend to the creatures of the Earth when I am not busy eating them or wearing them.

A stopped clock is correct twice a day, but a sundial can be used to stab someone, even at nighttime.

Specificity is the soul of narrative.

I am not beautiful, so I don't know why I'm making myself ugly. But the mustache stays.

All I can ask from society is that it please stop telling me why I should like sports.

I actually own a copy of my own book; that's how dedicated I am as an author.

There is no ritual that enhances creativity other than just starting.

My career as a magazine writer was largely prefaced on the idea of curiosity, to go on adventures and weasel my way into the lives of people that I admire.

A literary agent is nothing but a cheap salesman (or woman); while a writer is a cheap salesman (or woman) who also has to actually write the books.

The villain of any story is often the most compelling character.

This has to be the most self-centered thing I've ever said, but no, I think you just wanted to vex me.

The fortunate is he whose earnest purpose never swerves, Whose slightest action or inaction servesThe one great aim.Why, even Death stands still, And waits an hour sometimesFor such a will.

The end is where we start from. T.S. Eliot

There are only two things worth aiming for, good music and a clean conscience.

Every Friday I used to have about fifty, sixty kids who would wait for me on Sunset Boulevard and I'd take them all to dinner. All runaways.

I will continue to make mistakes and hope to be forgiven so I have to treat people the same way I want to be treated.

As long as you feel your own weakness and helplessness, you will find help from above.

When you're driving, the helmet squashes your hair, so you don't really have a hairstyle. When you get out, you're sweating and your hair is a mess.

I think there's an element where people get very comfortable in their ghetto. Which is fair enough.

My music is also one part of my inner process, and people also seem to connect with me on that - especially the ones who have the same questions for their own lives.