“But having a really good understanding of history, literature, psychology, sciences – is very, very important to actually being able to make movies.”

There is no why. We are. Life is beyond reason.

Fear is the path to the dark side. Fear leads to anger. Anger leads to hate. Hate leads to suffering.

Don’t avoid the cliches – they are cliches because they work!

It’s hard work making movies. It’s like being a doctor: you work long hours, very hard hours, and it’s emotional, tense work. If you don’t really love it, then it ain’t worth it.

Whatever has happened in my quest for innovation has been part of my quest for immaculate reality.

It’s now time for me to pass Star Wars on to a new generation of filmmakers. I’ve always believed that Star Wars could live beyond me, and I thought it was important to set up the transition during my lifetime.

The underlying issues, the psychological motives, in all my movies have been the same, he said. Personal responsibility and friendship, the importance of a compassionate life as opposed to a passionate life.

Always remember, your focus determines your reality.

Art is the retelling of certain themes in a new light, making them accessible to the public of the moment.

Storytelling is about two things; it’s about character and plot.

All the religions are true, they just see a different part of the elephant.

The best way to truly understand narrative art is to experience it.

A special effect is a tool, a means of telling a story. A special effect without a story is a pretty boring thing.

People who alter or destroy works of art and our cultural heritage for profit or as an exercise of power are barbarians.

You simply have to put one foot in front of the other and keep going. Put blinders on and plow right ahead.

Sound is 50 percent of the movie going experience, and I’ve always believed audiences are moved and excited by what they hear in my movies at least as much as by what they see.

I got good grades in school, but I’m not sure if I’m smart or if it just means I can study. I’ve never taken one of those IQ tests, and I don’t want to. It’s so pointless. As long as you enjoy life and have fun and you’re healthy and happy, that’s what matters.

I discovered martial arts, first judo and then karate, and I became quite good at it, because I had something to prove. And more than anything, I needed to feel safe.

The sign of a good society is where talent is respected.

I’m not good at future planning. I don’t plan at all. I don’t know what I’m doing tomorrow. I don’t have a day planner and I don’t have a diary. I completely live in the now, not in the past, not in the future.

There’s a long history of all kinds of cop films… But all these films are really about the same thing: the good guys triumphing over the bad guys.

I’ll eat anything. I love food in general. I love traditional Mexican, carne asada. Just meat, beans, rice, and some good salsa.

The third rule of life is this: Everything you buy today is smaller, more expensive, and not as good as it was yesterday.

We cut up lemons on a chop board because they are good for our voices.