I was very influenced by the musicals and romantic comedies of the 1930s. I admired Gene Harlow and such, which probably explains why, since the end of my marriage, I've dated nothing but a succession of blondes.

I tried to make some difference, and I think I managed to do that.

I think that the major message of my life and what I hope to be remembered for is someone who managed to change the social sexual values of his time absolutely.

After all the Puritans came to America to escape from persecution and then turned around and started persecuting other people. So I understand that conflict that we have related to play and pleasure and sexuality. And I think what has made my life worthwhile is trying to deal with some of those questions.

Being attacked by right-wing Christians did not bother me. Being attacked by liberal feminists did.

The interesting thing is how one guy, through living out his own fantasies, is living out the fantasies of so many other people.

It's good to be selfish. But not so self-centered that you never listen to other people.