What we really need is compassion of the mind - compassion for others that is directed intelligently and produces truly compassionate results.

The government is good at one thing. It knows how to break your legs, and then hand you a crutch and say, "See if it weren't for the government, you wouldn't be able to walk".

Freedom and responsibility aren't interconnected things. They are the same thing.

For those looking for security, be forewarned that there's nothing more insecure than a political promise.

It's important to realize that whenever you give power to politicians or bureaucrats, it will be used for what they want, not for what you want.

A great burden was lifted from my shoulders the day I realized that no one owes me anything.

The government's War on Poverty has transformed poverty from a short-term misfortune into a career choice.

When you give politicians the power to do what you think is right you're automatically giving politicians the power to do what you think is wrong.

Immigrants used to come to America seeking freedom of speech, freedom of religion, and freedom from government. Now they come looking for free health care, free education, and a free lunch.

Government cripples you, then hands you a crutch and says, 'See, if it wasn't for us, you couldn't walk.'

In almost all matters, the real question should be: why are we letting government handle this?

Here in England, everyone's a pop star, innit, whereas in America they believe in the term artist.

Who has enough credit in this world to pay for his mistakes?

A ginooine statesman should be on his guard, if he must hev beliefs, not to b'lieve 'em too hard.

My mom says I have to be more positive, and I say life has to be more positive too or it's just not going to work.

Fame is, I think, just a disgusting by-product of what I do.

Inspiration more often comes during the work than before it, because the largest part of the job of an artist is to listen to the work.

Sooner I'd try to change history than turn political, than try convincing others to write letters or to vote or to march or to do something they didn't already feel like doing.

I admire anyone who isn't afraid to take risks and try out things that aren't usually looked at as "normal."

Man is the only living being who has a developed self-awareness and death-awareness.

I've done my share of period stuff. I'm not sure why, but people say I have a period face. The bread and butter of British TV is Jane Austen adaptations and bridges and bonnets and boats and horses.