“I have such fond memories of growing up—even when it was hard or painful or ugly. I want fond memories of growing old, too.”

“I never understood the idea that you’re supposed to mellow as you get older. Slowing down isn’t something I relate to at all. The goal is to continue in good and bad, all of it. To continue to express myself, particularly. To feel the world. To explore. To be with…

“Why hope to live a long life if we’re only going to fill it with self-absorption, body maintenance and image repair? When we die, do we want people to exclaim ‘She looked ten years younger,’ or do we want them to say ‘She lived a great life’?”

“Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful.”

“Some people try to turn back their odometers. Not me. I want people to know why I look this way. I’ve traveled a long way, and some of the roads weren’t paved.”

“I don’t think every old person is wise, and I don’t think you automatically get wise when you’re old. You have to want it, You have to pursue it.”