God has a hard-on for a Marine because we kill everything we see. He plays His game, we play ours.

How could we possibly appreciate the Mona Lisa if Leonardo had written at the bottom of the canvas: 'The lady is smiling because she is hiding a secret from her lover.' This would shackle the viewer to reality, and I don't want this to happen to 2001.

A filmmaker has almost the same freedom as a novelist has when he buys himself some paper.

One man writes a novel. One man writes a symphony. It is essential that one man make a film.

No philosophy based on an incorrect view of the nature of man is likely to produce social good.

Be suspicious of people who have, or crave, power. Never, ever go near power. Don't become friends with anyone who has real power. It's dangerous.

Have you ever had a single moment's thought about my responsibilities?