"Although I'm an atheist who believes only in great nature, I recognize the spiritual richness and grandeur of the Roman Catholicism in which I was raised."

"It is capitalist America that produced the modern independent woman. Never in history have women had more freedom of choice in regard to dress, behavior, career, and sexual orientation."

"Men know they are sexual exiles. They wander the earth seeking satisfaction, craving and despising, never content. There is nothing in that anguished motion for women to envy."

"Music never dies. Do we really need another Madonna tour? Does she have to compete with women performers 25 years her junior?"

"Painting, n.: The art of protecting flat surfaces from the weather, and exposing them to the critic."

"The reward of art is not fame or success but intoxication: that is why so many bad artists are unable to give it up."

"Glory is a heavy burden, a murdering poison, and to bear it is an art. And to have that art is rare."

"If you like my music, great, and if you don't, whatever. I'm going to keep making it either way."