I am not optimistic, but I've never been optimistic about humankind or America. The evidence never looks good in terms of forces for good actually becoming prominent.

You've got to love yourself enough, not only so that others will be able to love you, but that you'll be able to love others.

For me, music is in no way ornamental or decorative, it's constitutive of who I am.

I loathe nationalism. It is a form of tribalism--the idolatry of the 20th century.

You have to have a habitual vision of greatness ... you have to believe in fact that you will refuse to settle for mediocrity. You won't confuse your financial security with your personal integrity, you won't confuse your success with your greatness or your prosperity with your magnanimity ... believe in fact that living is connected to giving.

You must let suffering speak, if you want to hear the truth

You keep folks so intimidated. You can give them money, access, but they're still scared. And as long as you're scared, you're on the plantation.