I've always been more interested in organisms that can move on their own than in stationary plants. But when I canoe or hike along the edge of lakes or oceans and see trees that seem to be growing out of rock faces, I am blown away. How do they do it?

The failure of world leaders to act on the critical issue of global warming is often blamed on economic considerations.

The future doesn't exist. The only thing that exists is now and our memory of what happened in the past. But because we invented the idea of a future, we're the only animal that realized we can affect the future by what we do today.

If America wants to retain its position as a global power, its president must listen to the people and show strong leadership at this turning point in human history.

I have a wonderful shelter, which is my family. I have a wonderful relationship with my brother and sister; this makes me feel that I know always where I belong.

Like religion, politics, and family planning, cereal is not a topic to be brought up in public. It's too controversial.

I was given the opportunity to write the kind of book that I wanted to write, rather than one that catalogues where I sang and what I sang and what I wore. I wanted to write a book about an American family, the family that has produced me. The longer I live, the more I realise the incredible support and love we were given as children.

Each time a high-wage job is lost, a family is turned upside down. And that affects the communities where they live.