Cultural objects have no notable identity outside of that which we confer upon them. Their value is entirely a product of the interaction that we have with them.

Something I’ve realized lately, to my shock, is that I am an optimist, in that I think humans are almost infinitely capable of self-change and self-modification, and that we really can build the future that we want if we’re smart about it.

It must be quite mysterious to some people why I bother to carry on. Because, you know, I don't sell that many records.

Any constraint is part of the skeleton that you build the composition on - including your own incompetence.

Possessions are a way of turning money into problems.

I take sounds and change them into words.

I can see the use and value of religion, just as I can see the use of mud wrestling, yoga, astronomy and sadomasochism. but I reject the idea that you can't be a deep human being without it or any of them.