Crisis for others is a source of despair. For me, it's an opportunity to bring reform. I owe this country a debt I cannot repay.

We live in an interconnected world, and you cannot prevent people from leaving. What you need to do is to create opportunities. At the same time, people are also coming back.

Do not ever threaten an Afghan with violence. We will rise as one and we will face every threat the way we have taken on thousands of previous armies and conquerors.

When windows shatter through a bomb, we will repair it next week because we are Afghans. That's the spirit.

We could form a government of national unity fighting corruption. The ordinary Afghan is sick and tired of it, because it's she or he that pays the price.

The job of an elected president is to overcome the past and change the playing field.

Peace is a national issue, not only government's responsibility.

We will not let the price of peace be greater than the price of war, we will firmly safeguard the achievements of the past 13 years under former President Karzai.

It [terrorism] happened because intelligence, leadership and police failures made it possible.

The most significant thing is public participation. That assures the Afghan public that our promises are not empty.

Deadlines concentrate the mind. But deadlines should not be dogmas.

Destiny is a worrying concept. I don't want to be fated, I want to choose.

A man must live in the world and make the best of it such as it is.

Decide on what you think is right and stick to it.

Maintain a sense of humor. People who take themselves too seriously are power-crazy. If they win it will be haircuts for all. Beware of power freaks.

Education does not necessarily make one wise?

There's a fast-track if you can do the networking. For some personalities it works, but for mine it doesn't.

Learn when to fear, and how to fear, and how much to fear, before you squander all you have left.

He hated all this, and somehow he couldn't get away.

It's exciting to go from snowboarding to skateboarding because I get to start as the underdog again.

Honor the physical temple that houses you by eating healthfully, exercising, listening to your body's needs and treating it with dignity and love.