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Artists speak the truth to the public without fear of retribution or damage to their careers.

Not all artists have a responsibility to be socially or politically aware, but they do have a responsibility to make great art. They have to find some truth and put that in their music.

To retain his dignity, an artist must live in opposition. He must be critical of his country. If not, then he is worthless.

There's a power in what we hold as artists, and part of that comes with responsibility... to share the human experience and really allow that to be seen.

An artist may have burdens the ordinary citizen doesn't know, but the ordinary citizen has burdens that many artists never even touch.

I have a more direct avenue to expression as an artist than I ever would as a politician.

Life and people are complex. A writer as an artist doesn't have the personality of a politician. We don't see the world that simply.

I think carrying moral baggage is very dangerous for an artist. If you have a duty, it's to be true and not cover up the cracks.

In 19th-century France, artists were part of government. Artists are very sensitive to their time. They're very thoughtful people - it makes sense to hear what they have to say.