You don't really need modernity in order to exist totally and fully. You need a mixture of modernity and tradition.
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.
No doubt unity is something to be desired, to be striven for, but it cannot be willed into being by mere declarations.
Epistemology is the study of knowledge. By what conduit do we know what we know?
No doubt, unity is something to be desired, to be striven for, but it cannot be willed by mere declarations.
I prefer to choose which traditions to keep and which to let go.
By showing hunger, deprivation, starvation and brutality, as well as endurance and nobility, documentaries inform, prod our memories, even stir us to action. Such films do battle for our very soul.
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.
What moves me is neither ethnocentric pride nor sectarian arrogance. I make no claim that Jewish culture is superior to other cultures. But it is mine.
I remain convinced that I can be a true universalist only when I am a better Jew.
I prefer to make common cause with those whose weapons are guitars, banjos, fiddles and words.
If I have one vanity wish, it would be to direct. It's the only thing I haven't done yet that I would like to.
I am first, and foremost, an actor. That's what I am. To me, a song is a mini-drama. My musical ability informs the actor as well because it gives me a sense of timing that non-musicians don't have. So, one hand washes the other.
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.
As an artist I have an even more abiding interest in the compact between the Arts and Government.
I created the role of Captain Von Trapp.
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.
Despite a large body of work in films, TV, theatre and concerts, I am viewed by many as a Jewish artist. I do not resent the label, except for the fact that I disapprove of labels in general.
We Jews have a special attachment to the Book. The study of page after page in tomes yellowing with age was obligatory.
