The biggest determinant in our lives is culture, where we are born, what the environment looks like. But the second biggest determinant is probably governance, good governance or a certain kind of governance makes a huge difference in our lives.

California is a place of invention, a place of courage, a place of vision, a place of the future. People who made California what it is were willing to take risks, think outside convention and build.

Possessing things is not that interesting. Living in a grand environment to show myself and others that I have wealth has zero appeal.

I wish I was a great writer or a great journalist or a great scientist or a great artist; I'm not.

I don't get that much enjoyment out of saying 'I own it.'

Everything I do now is about growing the pot to have more to give away.

L.A. is very special to me, so far away from my world on the East Coast, Europe, Asia. It's a bit of an island for me - less intense, less busy; because of time difference and location, it has a calming effect. At least it used to be all that.