Really, life is full of contradictions. Life is messy.

I wanted to get the most broad foundation for a lifelong education that I could find, and that was studying Latin and the classics. Meaning Roman and Greek history and philosophy and ancient civilizations.

I frankly encountered more anti-Semitism in the northeast than I did in Oklahoma, but not much either place. Anti-Semitism is not part of my life.

I love writing about Oklahoma. I love writing Oklahoma characters; I love playing Southwestern characters.

I tried to film 'Leaves of Grass' in Oklahoma, but it was literally about a million dollars less to shoot in Louisiana.

We approach life not just to be able to think about it and talk about it and discover its truths, but also to enjoy it. And so a healthy life really isn't about abstinence or asceticism, it's about enjoying your time on this earth.

Really, life is full of contradictions. Life is messy.