That is basically me, and although I have done many things in my life - conducting, playing piano, and so on - what is fundamental is my being a composer.

It's not a special taste. An American composer should have something to say to a cab driver.

I’ve always felt that music should be a normal part of the experience that surrounds people.

And pray where in earth or heaven are there prudent marriages? Might as well talk about prudent suicides.

When we numb [hard feelings], we numb joy, we numb gratitude, we numb happiness.

I would be very surprised if on another planet we discovered a species as intelligent as humans that didn't have narrative, or didn't have art in general.

I suspect that no community will become humane and caring by restricting what its members can say.

As long as one heart still holds on, then hope is never really gone

Life is not long at all, never long enough, but days are very long indeed.

I don't want to be remembered as a beaten champion.

Maybe they didn't want you to realize that every civilization has its weakness. There's always one thing we depend on. And if someone takes it away all that's left is some story in a history class.

My films are motivated by a keen interest in highlighting issues that affect marginalized populations who are caught in difficult circumstances.