The flame is not out, but it is flickering.

History is malleable. A new cache of diaries can shed new light, and archeological evidence can challenge our popular assumptions.

We're having a hard time understanding where jazz is going. What happened to jazz?

The genius of our country is improvisation, and jazz reflects that. It's our great contribution to the arts.

It is the great arrogance of the present to forget the intelligence of the past

I think we too often make choices based on the safety of cynicism, and what we're lead to is a life not fully lived. Cynicism is fear, and it's worse than fear - it's an active disengagement.

Do not lose your enthusiasm. In its Greek etymology, the word enthusiasm means, "God in us."

History isn't really about the past - settling old scores. It's about defining the present and who we are.

People tend to forget that the word "history" contains the word "story".

By its very nature, no one person can ever be the center of Jazz.

I began to feel that the drama of the truth that is in the moment and in the past is richer and more interesting than the drama of Hollywood movies. So I began looking at documentary films.

I have a tip that can take 5 strokes off anyone's golf game. It's called an eraser.

There is nothing wrong with being afraid - but there is nothing more wrong than allowing that to be your master.

There's the blazing Russian Caucasus, with an ongoing war all against all, which is not to be neglected.

I have a lot of mirrors around my house, not because I like to look at myself, but because I like the light and perspective they bring to a room.

I have a low opinion of books: they are piles of stones set up to show coming travelers where other minds have been, or at best signal smokes to call attention.

When you're playing this bad of a character, it's obviously not reality for someone who's not living that life.

1994 GOP victory destroyed bipartisanship.

It's a wonderful life if you can find it.

Michael O'Donoghue was a very close friend of mine - very encouraging with my stuff, and really a great guy - but he was a no-kidding difficult person.

Always remember, nothing can touch you if you inwardly love God.