I spent more time playing a person I was not than the person I am.

It's like reading a book about a life that you will never occupy, but that's the beauty of being transported.

Do we need distance to get close?

So many roads. So many detours. So many choices. So many mistakes.

Often I'll go to the market, and women will say to me: "Let me see your shoes." And then I show them I'm wearing flip-flops.

The women's choice of footwear doesn't speak for their most important inner life, but rather it tells a story - this is an opportunity to express themselves. I think the thing that's most compelling about other people is when you don't look like you're trying to dress like your friend, colleague, neighbor, or anything else. That's a very arresting and exciting and compelling quality to possess - not everybody has the courage to walk out the door feeling like themselves, but once they do, it's thrilling to witness.

You can't live in New York City and be the most important person in town; you just can't. There are too many other important people here.