Afghanistan is more than the 'graveyard of empires.' It's the mother of vicious circles.

The minute you settle for less than you deserve, you get even less than you settled for.

[On journalists:] We are a noisy, imperfect lot, struggling to scribble what has been called the first draft of history.

Journalism, spooked by rumors of its own obsolescence, has stopped believing in itself. Groans of doom alternate with panicked happy talk.

The sounds of silence are a dim recollection now, like mystery, privacy and paying attention to one thing — or one person — at a time.

Wooing the press is an exercise roughly akin to picnicking with a tiger. You might enjoy the meal, but the tiger always eats last.

Celebrity distorts democracy by giving the rich, beautiful, and famous more authority than they deserve.

When I need to work up my nerve to write a tough column, I try to think of myself as Emma Peel in a black leather catsuit.

If you're famous enough, the rules don't apply.

A friendship between reporter and source lasts only until it is profitable for one to betray the other.

Celebrity is the religion of our time.

Life moves forward, not backward, and it would be wise to listen to what change has to say.

Terrorism has become the systematic weapon of a war that knows no borders or seldom has a face.

My administration will be more supportive of the good works done here than any administration in the history of this country because I understand the power of faith, that faith can change lives.

Among even the happiest married couples there are always moments of regret.

Architecture is the very mirror of life.You only have to cast your eyes on buildings to feel the presence of the past, the spirit of a place; they are the reflection of society.

I'm not the kind of guy who likes to rush things through. I like to take my time and finish when I'm finished.

I believe one can gauge a book's impact only after about 10 years.

Being attached to America these days is like being in a pen with a wounded bull.

I'm a hero with coward's legs.

As an artist, it is great to be able to market yourself to people who don't know you, and people who do.