More than ever, the world needs good engineers. However, the pool of talent is shrinking not growing.

I consider high-speed data transmission an invention that became a major innovation. It changed the way we all communicate.

Americans thinking that America will continue to lead the world in innovation and quality of life without some quick and serious educational improvements are dangerously delusional.

To me, innovations are the wheel, fire, language, movable type. There are not 3 million innovations; there are 3 million inventions.

When I dropped out of school at 19 to start my first job in Hollywood, I didn't know anything, and I had no idea where I'd end up. Thankfully, I was attached to some smart and forgiving people who let me learn under them.

Establishing lasting peace is the work of education; all politics can do is keep us out of war.

I grew up in a very progressive family and with a great educational system, and I asked myself, 'Why doesn't everybody have these opportunities for a good education? So why not give back to these kids who didn't grow up with the same privileges I had?'

A mentor, a 'teacher,' is like an editor. I absolutely value my editor, who is my teacher.