All too often arrogance accompanies strength, and we must never assume that justice is on the side of the strong. The use of power must always be accompanied by moral choice.
Right up to the middle of this century all perceptions of the world around us were delivered via the bookshelf or the paper route.
I prefer to make common cause with those whose weapons are guitars, banjos, fiddles and words.
An actor is supposed to emulate life. Instead, alas, many are imitating other actors. You don't fashion your knowledge of theatre or your approach to a role on the basis of what other actors have done. This kind of thinking is a great danger, especially in dealing with TV producers who frequently say things like, 'This is a Sean Connery type.'
Epistemology is the study of knowledge. By what conduit do we know what we know?
Although I am deeply grateful to a great many people, I forgo the temptation of naming them for fear that I might slight any by omission.
I do prefer the stage. It's really the granddaddy of them all.
I am a universalist, passionately devoted to the cause of equality within the human family.
What moves me is neither ethnocentric pride nor sectarian arrogance. I make no claim that Jewish culture is superior to other cultures. But it is mine.
But, when I toil in the field of Jewish culture which I frequently do, I am indeed a Jewish artist.
I make no claim that Jewish culture is superior to other cultures or that the Jewish song is better than the song of my neighbor.
There is no role I cannot play except a midget.
I refuse to do shows that are narrowly constructed, that appeal to only one sentiment. I do a lot of Jewish material in front of non-Jews and a lot of non-Jewish material in front of Jews on the simple theory that the non-Jews are entitled to a glimpse of a Jewish world and the Jews are entitled to a glimpse of the world.
We Jews have a special attachment to the Book. The study of page after page in tomes yellowing with age was obligatory.
By showing hunger, deprivation, starvation and brutality, as well as endurance and nobility, documentaries inform, prod our memories, even stir us to action. Such films do battle for our very soul.
I glory in the fact that a human being has multiple talents and exercises them all with a degree of integrity and artistic proficiency. That's what I do.
In my mind the city of Ariel is a thorn in Israel's side and a serious obstacle to peace.
I remain convinced that I can be a true universalist only when I am a better Jew.
No movement can afford to be caught in a time warp and exist in a state of suspended animation.
No doubt unity is something to be desired, to be striven for, but it cannot be willed into being by mere declarations.
