The nation is bound together by its creative artists and not by parallel lines of rusting steel.

Racism is a refuge for the ignorant. It seeks to divide and to destroy. It is the enemy of freedom, and deserves to be met head-on and stamped out.

A Canadian is somebody who knows how to make love in a canoe.

The more I see of the country, the less I feel I know about it. There is a saying that after five years in the north every man is an expert; after ten years, a novice.

I only write books about dead people. They can't sue.

My best advice to writers is get yourself born in an interesting place.

I was hated, you know. I made no secret of the fact that I was an atheist. People told me there are no atheists in fox holes. That's nonsense. [interview promoting Marching as to War (2002)]

I am an atheist, a rationalist and a humanist.

We have the ability to stand up faster than we fall.

Is there a reason why you’re standing there, staring out the window and watching the neighbors? Are we preparing to kill them and drag them down to the basement and bury them alive?

Shoot for the biggest and boldest impact possible.If you need a full corporate makeover—do it. Moderation is just not going to cut it.

I need to have perspective. That's one of the big things former players told me, to not try to live up to anything, just live up to yourself.

Then teach me how to not care about someone who was everything to me. All I want is to know she's okay. Is that too much to ask?

Love is the only force that can erase the differences between people or bridge the chasms of bitterness.

I'm living my dream job! My dream job is to be in the classroom.

Never take no for answer, and try to make films that turn you on.

What's my credibility? Why are they looking to me for advice? Isn't there someone more qualified?

Those who cling to life die, and those who defy death live.