It has always been quite apparent to me that no important story can fail to tell us something of value to us.

A toad does not run in the daytime for nothing

Serious and good art has always existed to help, to serve, humanity. Not to indict.

I think the language that we use in dealing with one another is very important. And even if I am called upon to bring out some money to support a regime, and I am entitled to say I do not like what that regime does and obviously I am not going to put money there - you cannot really say this is wrong or this is unreasonable.

A man to whom you do a favor will not understand if you say nothing, make no noise, just walk away. You may cause more trouble by refusing a bribe than by accepting it.

Actually, I identify with all my characters, good and bad. I have to do that in order to make them genuine. I have to understand them even if I don't approve of them. Not completely - it's impossible; complete identification is, in fact, not desirable.

When a mad man walks naked, it is his kinsmen who feel shame, not himself.