You can only do the best you can in the minute that you're doing it.

The minute you become a leader of a country, you go into a very small club. You join that sort of pantheon of other world leaders.

If you have distance from the events, then your story can work as an analogy or parable, rather than its literal narrative.

To what degree are historians chroniclers of the truth and to what degree are they just novelists, frankly?

Firms are a bit concerned about things like oil prices and US growth but actually the change (in firms expectations) is quite small so I think broadly theyre looking for more of the same.

I wrote 'Hereafter' quickly and without mapping it out too much or being too schematic. As an exercise, I think that was incredibly important.

Generally, I read nonfiction. Theres very little fiction that I enjoy enough to spend my time reading. I am generally a nonfiction guy.

Movies feel like work, and reading fiction feels like work, whereas reading nonfiction feels like pleasure.

I just try and do something good. But as a writer, you're slightly out of control.

I am not a politics wonk. I like the idea of my writing reflecting more about who I am or other people.

The real beauty in my professional experience has been friendships and collaborations with filmmakers.

The thing about being powerful is that it may be a limited edition... as the source of the power goes you go

If we're honest with ourselves, most of us know the one thing we lack.

Why has it seemed that the only way to protect the environment is with heavy-handed government regulation?

Nothing is to be feared but fear itself. Nothing grievous but to yield to grief.

Denying Al Qaeda safe haven was the right decision.

In a lot of ways I think food is starting to take the place in culture that rock and roll took 30 years ago.

When I was really little, I listened to Dolly Parton, Loretta Lynn, Barbara Mandrel, Crystal Gayle, Kenny Rogers, Willie Nelson, and Patsy Cline.

You can't start the next chapter of your life

It is a lively spark of nobleness to descend in most favour to one when he is lowest in affliction

Poetry makes people nervous. Especially in schools.