What has been America's most nurturing contribution to the culture of this planet so far? Many would say jazz. I, who love jazz, will say this instead: Alcoholics Anonymous.

I say in speeches that a plausible mission of artists is to make people appreciate being alive at least a little bit. I am then asked if I know of any artists who pulled that off. I reply, 'The Beatles did.

We are here on Earth to fart around. Don't let anybody tell you any different.

You know, the Emancipation Proclamation was like giving freedom to domestic animals.

The surface of Earth heaved and seethed in fecund restlessness. Earth was most fertile where the most death was.

You have never seen greatness in a Presidency; I have. It was a rich kid who you would think had every reason to be a horse's ass - Franklin Roosevelt. He was humane and wise and resourceful. He was called a traitor to his class. With George Bush, that charge would never stick.

We are all experiments in enthusiasms, narrow and preordained.