The demographics are changing - and so what? Citizenship is a question of certain agreed-upon values and that is that. Do we believe that? I think at heart we do.

I tend to foster drama via bleakness. If I want the reader to feel sympathy for a character, I cleave the character in half, on his birthday. And then it starts raining. And he's made of sugar.

What I regret most in my life are failures of kindness.

What I regret most in my life are failures of kindness. Those moments when another human being was there, in front of me, suffering, and I responded . . . sensibly. Reservedly. Mildly.

Do those things that incline you toward the big questions, and avoid the things that would reduce you and make you trivial.

Developing our sympathetic compassion is not only possible but the only reason for us to be here on earth.

According to me, your life is going to be a gradual process of becoming kinder and more loving. Hurry up. Speed it along. Start right now.

It's a big world, and I really like it.

Character is that sum total of moments we can't explain.

The generalizing writer is like the passionate drunk, stumbling into your house mumbling: I know I'm not being clear, exactly, but don't you kind of feel what I'm feeling?

Kindness, it turns out, is hard - it starts out all rainbows and puppy dogs, and expands to include . . . well, EVERYTHING.

Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement. Nothing can be done without hope and confidence.

Addressing the concept of man made additions to the faith - “These additions-standards, practices, and allegiances supposedly created for our spiritual benefit-have had the opposite effect.

Tuition is to studies and training is to job, but the gradation never stops (on Appraisal)

Greatness in the making feels just like you feel right now. Time will soon tell.

Over the course of television's history, I think fans have done more to save shows and support them than ruin them.

Do not have an important dark and important light in the same picture they will destroy each other.

Skepticism: the mark and even the pose of the educated mind.

Freedom isn't the ability to do whatever you want. It's the willingness to do whatever you want.

You have to apply yourself because you'll never get a better opportunity than the one you have right now. Having said that, people know by now if they like me or not. I don't need to prove anything.

Keep your ears open, your eyes open, grab everything you can, react, and learn!