When the machine of a human being is turned on, it seems to produce a protagonist, just as a television produces an image.

Childbirth changed my perception of my wife. She was now the bloodied special forces soldier who had fought and risked everything for our family.

Islam is not a race, yet Islamophobia partakes of racist characteristics.

Empathy is about finding echoes of another person in yourself.

It seems an obvious thing to say, but you should not imagine that we Pakistanis are all potential terrorists, just as we should not imagine that you Americans are all undercover assassins.

I think sometimes feeling that you've been marginalized opens you up to the realization that, in their own lives, almost everyone experiences marginalization, a kind of foreigner sense.

All human stories are migration stories because everyone is a refugee from their own childhood.

Time only moves in one direction. Remember that. Things always change.

I think massive migration is inevitable. As sea levels rise, as climate change happens, as fertile fields become arid, as wars are fought, people are going to move. They always have.

When the uncertain future becomes the past, the past in turn becomes uncertain.

It's important to have a non-nostalgic view and say, let's look forward, because if we don't, all we'll hear are voices telling us to go back.

When perception, thoughtfulness and understanding do meet, we can fashion a range of viable expectations and craft a world of togetherness. ("Morning after")

I understand that in our work - doesn't matter whether it's acting or writing - what's important isn't fame or glamour, none of the things I used to dream about, it's the ability to endure.

You don't need to look smart for the one who loves you a lot

I am a bit obsessive about tidiness. I need to make my bed in the morning and leave it perfectly made up.

I like to encourage people to realize that any action is a good action if it's proactive and there is positive intent behind it.

Give me the death of my soul. Intoxicate me with self-love.

...the moron who thought love was forever.

Why didn't you tell me I was in love with you?

Creative work is play. It is free speculation using materials of ones chosen form.

I find that in the 21st century, there's not a lot of compassion for what other people are going through or the walk that they have to walk.