I felt so painfully isolated that I vowed I would get revenge on the world by becoming a famous cartoonist.

You can't make everybody love you. It's an exercise in futility, and it's probably not even a good idea to try.

Most of my adult life I had this towering contempt for America.

I didn't invent anything; it's all there in the culture; it's not a big mystery. I just combine my personal experience with classic cartoon stereotypes.

When I come up against the real world, I just vacillate.

The French hold onto their traditions. I was always so alienated in America. My work was this constant reaction to that.

Hey kids, while you're out smashing the state keep a smile on your lips and a song in your hearts.