No heirloom of humankind captures the past as do art and language.

I am a universalist, passionately devoted to the cause of equality within the human family.

But there is a difference here: When Jewish children are murdered, Arabs celebrate the deed. The death of an Arab child is no cause for celebration in Israel.

It's a sad thing to contemplate, but I'm the last surviving cast member of 'The African Queen.'

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.

In my world, history comes down to language and art. No one cares much about what battles were fought, who won them and who lost them - unless there is a painting, a play, a song or a poem that speaks of the event.