I take my work seriously, but it's not the only thing that exists in the world.

A little recognition is not a bad thing because it means people appreciate your work. The only problem is when you can't walk down the street or have a meal without people looking at you. I want to be the one looking at people.

Here's where we are, this is what's happening. So do something, or get out of the kitchen.

As [John] Tolkien himself said, the story [Lord of the Ring ] is not allegorical. He said so when people tried to make analogies to World War II and the fight against Hitler and his fascist coalition.

With few exceptions, one ought always do what one is afraid of.

Ignorance breeds antipathy. Until I got to know how computers worked, I didn't want anything to do with them. I said, 'Well, why do I need them? I write letters.' Which I still do.

You should always do the things in life that are both interesting and make you afraid.