I've certainly thought a lot more about things like tyranny and patriotism and violence. I think I found some kind of clarity - definitely a thicker understanding.

I was studying with Peter Carey, Colum McCann; but also, my fellow students were really critical readers for me.

In the Marine Corps, you meet this really broad segment of the country; you're working with people from all kinds of backgrounds. And it exposes you to the American military, particularly the American military at war.

I like the ethos of the military and the idea of joining an institution in which, at the very least, everyone who signs up believes in something.

Well, I think that as a country, we've drifted away from appreciating the importance of imagination.

The man who will use his skill and constructive imagination to see how much he can give for a dollar, instead of how little he can give for a dollar, is bound to succeed.

In my sort of young, idealistic mind, I was just like, 'Well, it's either theater or film for me, and that will be that!'

I want to make music three-dimensional. I want to make a song also a painting, and a painting also a culinary experience.