Democracy is not an incident that happens overnight, nor a gift that America can give to the world. It is a culture which needs peace to evolve.

The idea of cultural relativism is nothing but an excuse to violate human rights.

It's not just about hope and ideas. It's about action.

Lawyers have a dangerous job in Iran.

Human rights is a universal standard. It is a component of every religion and every civilization.

Women are the victims of this patriarchal culture, but they are also its carriers. Let us keep in mind that every oppressive man was raised in the confines of his mother's home.

I maintain that nothing useful and lasting can emerge from violence.

How can you defy fear? Fear is a human instinct, just like hunger. Whether you like it or not, you become hungry. Similarly with fear. But I have learned to train myself to live with this fear.

If you can't eliminate injustice, at least tell everyone about it.

When a person is humiliated, when his rights are being violated, and he does not have the proper education, naturally he gravitates toward terrorism.

We must not enable anyone to impose his personal view regarding religion on others by force, oppression, or pressure.

You said the words, and they altered the universe. By merely speaking you could create damage and pain, cause tears to fall, drive people away, make yourself feel better, make your life worse.

Most people in America think Art is a man's name.

I'm not a big fan of CGI. I'm not a fan at all, unless they use it in a way that doesn't call attention to itself.

You could be happy, the minute you try. Why won't you try? Oh won't you try?

Every great accomplishment of mankind has been preceded by an extended period, often over many years, of concentrated effort.

However deep you dig a well it affords no refuge in the time of flood.

Reaching and understanding is the process of bringing about an agreement on the presupposed basis of validity claims that are mutually recognized.

The trick is to keep exploring and not bail out, even when we find out that something is not what we thought.

I think that one is constantly startled by the things that appear before you on the page when you're writing.

It is not only a troublesome but slavish to be nice [fastidious].