As a minister, I would rather be criticized for thoroughly weighing the options, and sometimes even voicing my doubts, than to be reproached for recklessly sending German soldiers into combat.

The fact that someone didn't experience the war itself doesn't mean that he doesn't perceive its consequences.

I sometimes read that it's time for German democracy to finally grow up. I don't see it as a sign of maturity if we treat military missions as something normal.

As foreign minister I cannot allow myself to be guided by emotions.

Military missions are not democratic development aid.

Military missions cannot be a normal tool of politics, but instead must remain the great exception.

I'm completely opposed to the idea of becoming accustomed to foreign military campaigns.

There is no real bravery in getting paid to save someone's life. However, there is a large amount of bravery in a nurse break dancing at the hospital's Christmas party.

Of course, Jules was not a wolf. She was an elephant. But Jules was a very young toy and she had never been to school to learn the difference.

I walk firmer and more secure up hill than down.

A domain exits where concepts can't go; so leave them on the doorstep to enter.

One man's transparency is another's humiliation.

The being cannot be termed rational or virtuous, who obeys any authority, but that of reason.

Just because a man is a homicidal maniac doesn't make him wrong.

I think if I was ever really going to be more serious about writing I'd have to try and find some way to do it with other people. I do find the silence kind of eerie.

What's interesting is to see us as we really are; only in this way we could arrive to the truly knowledge of one-self.