The idea that human beings can make history, that is something quite unique to the modern West.

Gandhi saw how people have to re-think their own individuality before engaging in political activity. Otherwise they're just playing the game that the adversary has set out.

In America, you don't even have proper holidays. It's really one of the most prosperous slave societies in history. People work their asses off all year long and get two weeks off! It's incredible.

The people who encouraged me weren't necessarily writers or readers themselves. They were people who were just pleased to see me devote my life to reading and writing.

I found it really disturbing to see a novelist writing a diatribe about Islam and Muslim radical extremists, blurring the distinction between the two.

We need to infuse politics with ideas like compassion and empathy, and a sense that we live in an interdependent world.

The asymmetries of power that have shaped relations between the West and the rest of the world also exist in the realm of literary criticism.

Most suffering is human-made and avoidable. It's mostly in your head.

Freedom of speech doesn't guarantee great literature.

In the modern world, nationalism remains a very important force. We delude ourselves into thinking that globalization has made all of that redundant and that everyone just wants to be like America.

I think what's important and extraordinarily practical about Buddhism, is that it offers very concrete methods for people to work with.

If you are lazy, and accept your lot, you may live in it. If you are willing to work, you can write your name anywhere you choose.

because he had no place he could stay in without getting tired of it and because there was nowhere to go but everywhere, keep rolling under the stars...

If you will have patience in difficulties you know the Holy Spirit is within you, if you will also have the strength to be thankful in troubles than is when the Holy Spirit shines through you.

How does nature amplify the intelligence of groups? It forms swarms.

I find that most people [in social media] just want me to say "happy birthday" to their mom or wish them good luck with their exams.

I resolve not to drink liquids before donning the Bat-suit.

We're picking on people we can beat.

The most effective 3D movies I have ever seen are the animated movies because they are designed.

Fiction, on the other hand, is like swamp fire.

Men of integrity are generally pretty obstinate, in adhering to an opinion once adopted.