Filmmaking became a possible way for me to combine my interest in photography and in gathering stories, as well as my interest in journalism and political science and international relations.

I found that while it was interesting to travel around and take the photographs, I would find that I was more interested in the stories behind the photographs. I was more interested in narrative.

I think most directors subscribe to the principle that less is more, and the best direction is the most concise direction.

Happiness is in contentment, gratitude, and love. It is a lifestyle, not a location.

Seeing within changes one's outer vision.

If marriage really is a sacred institution, then why is the government controlling it, especially in a nation that affirms separation of church and state?

I had no idea, when I was writing early on, that my poems would be published or read by anyone, never mind people I knew or would meet. I just wrote urgently - naïvely, I suppose, looking back.

It's simply not enough to just show up and do your work. Superior performance is not, never has been, nor will it ever be, the by-product of ordinary efforts.

I am right sorry for your heavinesse.

By a conscious effort of the mind we can stand aloof from actions and their consequences; and all things, good and bad, go by us like a torrent.

If we went into stores only when we needed to buy something, and if once there we bought only what we needed, the economy would collapse, boom.

Look Toward the stars but keep your feet firmly on the ground.

I enjoy writing dialogue; it comes naturally to me.