As a rock star, I have two instincts, I want to have fun, and I want to change the world. I have a chance to do both.

I wish to begin again on a daily basis. To be born again every day is something that I try to do. And I'm deadly serious about that.

The great moments of rock 'n' roll were never off in some corner of the music world, in a self-constructed ghetto.

Sadly, I do my homework. I've a soft spot for the boring minutiae. I read the Charter of the United Nations before meeting with Kofi Annan. I read the Meltzer report, and then I'll read C. Fred Bergsten's defense of institutions like the World Bank and the I.M.F. It's embarrassing to admit.

You know, God has some really weird kids, and I find it hard to be in their company most of the time.

The idea that there is one kind of African is of course ridiculous. Sometimes African entrepreneurs want to kill you because you are saying public health is the priority, not roads. Of course they are right to press for that issue, but so are we right, I believe, to argue for example that millions of children could and should be vaccinated.

The right to be irresponsible and stupid is something I hold very dear. And luckily it is something I do well.