As I visited the various neighborhoods in the campaign, I learned fast that it's a mistake to think that all of the wisdom and possible solutions to our problems are available only in this building.

Be assured that I did not become the Mayor of Chicago to preside over its decline.

If we are to succeed, we must recognize that the community redevelopment is not solely the rehabilitation of housing, or putting a mall in the business strips.

The Chicago Symphony is considered the greatest orchestra in the world.

Our universities and museums are respected around the country.

Politics never takes a holiday in Chicago.

I accept that responsibility and ask only that I be judged by my performance as its chief executive.

But I am committed to keeping this city a strong and viable center for commerce and industry, for continuing to make it a place of opportunity for its citizens.

The nation can no longer afford to continue policies that hasten the flight of persons to the distant suburbs.

City employees will be hired and promoted because of their abilities - without outside interference.

Tonight - by taking this solemn oath - I am no longer a private citizen but the Mayor of the City of Chicago.

Avoid Law of Attraction counterfeits. Build solid foundations for your consciousness and your subconscious will soon play ball with you.

My life's been too much of a self-created vocation. And there are times when I think I've done everything in the name of defiance.

To Zen, time and eternity are one.

What do I care about the purring of one who cannot love, like the cat?

I have a feeling that once you live through something like this, you become a little bit invincible.

A song is like a saddle: you ride it for a while, and if it's the right kind of song you can sing it for the rest of your life.

What we speak becomes the house we live in.

If you go to the ball game, you don't need to read the game story.

Magic wasn't something I had to go in search of; it was here, within me, all the time. When hearts are open, when love is flowing, magic happens.

We believe that the government has an important role to create the conditions that promote entrepreneurship, upward mobility, and individual responsibility.