“Regimented minds cannot grasp the concept of confrontation as an open exchange of major differences with a view to settlement through genuine dialogue.”

Since we live in this world, we have to do our best for this world.

We must contemplate what the meaning of being “educated” is. Some people think a person with plenty of degrees is an educated one. But I believe a person who can judge a situation correctly and make timely decisions is more important.

Every thought, every word, and every action that adds to the positive and the wholesome is a contribution to peace.

I do not believe that I’m sacrificing, in fact I feel very uneasy when others used the word sacrifice to describe my life. It sounds like I’m demanding returns for my investments.

Fundamental violations of human rights always lead to people feeling less and less human.

The main aim of the [political] dialogue should be to resolve the problems of the nation, not to find who is the winner and who is the loser.

You should never let your fears prevent you from doing what you know is right.

Government leaders are amazing. So often it seems they are the last to know what the people want.

Human rights must be protected by the rule of law, and there can never be occasions where human rights can be neglected or ignored or the rule of law set aside.

Freedom and democracy are dreams you never give up.

We achieve everything by our efforts alone. Our fate is not decided by an almighty God. We decide our own fate by our actions. You have to gain mystery over yourself. It is not a matter of sitting back and accepting.

I don’t like to be called a symbol. And I don’t like to be called an icon. I will just say that I have to work very, very hard. So I’d rather be known as a hard worker. I don’t think symbols do much, nor icons.

Fear is not the natural state of civilized people.

Early childhood development has proved to be very beneficial and very cost-effective in societies where this is been tried. So let’s not confine ourselves to primary education. Let’s think of early childhood development and education as a whole.

Even one voice can be heard loudly all over the world in this day and age.

Each man has in him the potential to realize the truth through his own will and endeavour and to help others to realize it.

In Italy, the concept of the family is very important.

Without the existence of the opposite, the concept has no meaning.

I appreciate the change associated with people’s growth, but I don’t like the changes in our lives. I came to Mumbai in 1945, so imagine my acceptance of the massive changes around. I have witnessed every kind of revolution.

My first language, the true language of the soul spoken only on our planet of origin, had no word for betrayal or traitor. Or even loyalty- because without the opposite, the concept had no meaning.

The Oscars are a really strange concept to me, that films and acting can be competing against each other. We’re not running the same race. It’s like we’re all doing different sports in fact.

Gershwin inspired me very much. The concept of ‘That Lucky Old Sun’ was inspired by ‘Rhapsody in Blue’ – not influenced, but inspired.

I think the whole concept of monotheism is a gift from the gods.

I think the biggest misconception about me probably is … I don’t prey on the weak. I ain’t a bully, but I ain’t no saint, either.