"Even though you can't expect to defeat the absurdity of the world, you must make that attempt. That's morality, that's religion. That's art. That's life."

"The final story, the final chapter of western man, I believe, lies in Los Angeles."

"In such ugly times, the only true protest is beauty."

"And if there's any hope for America, it lies in a revolution, and if there's any hope for a revolution in America, it lies in getting Elvis Presley to become Che Guevara."

"Step outside the guidelines of the official umpires and make your own rules and your own reality."

"The fortunes of the entire world may well ride on the ability of young Americans to face the responsibilities of an old America gone mad."

"Does defending liberalism leave you friendless and perhaps wondering about your breath?"

"There is an urgent need for Americans to look deeply into themselves and their actions, and musical poetry is perhaps the most effective mirror available. Every newspaper headline is a potential song."

"Leaving America is like losing twenty pounds and finding a new girlfriend."

"It is wrong to expect a reward for your struggles. The reward is the act of struggle itself, not what you win."

"God isn't dead - he's just missing in action."

"When they show the destruction of society on color TV, I want to be able to look out over Los Angeles and make sure they get it right."