You've got to realize. In the western world, regardless of what color you are, what title the music is, it's all played by the same notes.

It was when I found out I could make mistakes that I knew I was on to something.

Jazz is the only music in which the same note can be played night after night but differently each time.

When I have them working together, it's like a beautiful kaleidoscope.

For me, being an innovator doesn't mean being more intelligent, more rich, it's not a word, it's an action.

The idea is more important than the style you're playing in.

You don't have to worry about being a number one, number two, or number three. Numbers don't have anything to do with placement. Numbers only have something to do with repetition.

I don't try to please when I play. I try to cure.

Music has many uses and I think the most perfected use that music has is one of a healing quality.

Whatever you do, it's over when you do it - but first you have to do it.

We in the Western world suffer from too many categories and classes; we've forgotten that we all still have diapers on. We've separated music from life.

I have a simple philosophy: Fill what's empty. Empty what's full. And scratch where it itches.

When I appear in the Chicago courtroom, I want to be tried not because I support the NLF - which I do - but because I have long hair.

But truly, if I were not Alexander, I would be Diogenes.

I'm about to go to Sundance for my 3rd year, and Sundance has never felt like a real independent festival at all. On the other hand, it might to start feel that way.

Your life story would not make a good book. Don't even try.

We want more people owning things in this country. Let me put it to you bluntly: In a changing world, we want more people to have control over your own life.

When I make a commitment I stick to it.

I think that's what we really need in America, for people to hear each other. And I think philosophy could do a little bit better on that.

Don't be afraid of the storms; be afraid of the ship and the captain! Forget about the outside factors, what matters is the internal power!

It's no fun throwing fastballs to guys who can't hit them. The real challenge is getting them out on the stuff they can hit.