Democracy is the only system capable of reflecting the humanist premise of equilibrium or balance. The key to its secret is the involvement of the citizen.

Ten geographers who think the world is flat will tend to reinforce each other's errors ... Only a sailor can set them straight.

Whenever governments adopt a moral tone - as opposed to an ethical one - you know something is wrong.

The void in our society has been produced by the absence of values... we have no widespread belief in the value of participation. The rational system has made us fear standing out in any serious way.

The recession is over." This phrase has been used twice a year since 1973 by government leaders throughout the West. Its meaning is unclear. See: Depression.

Pessimism: A valuable protection against quackery.

People cannot do what they cannot think, and they cannot think what they cannot say.

If economists were doctors, they would today be mired in malpractice suits.

Which is ideology? Which not? You shall know them by their assertion of truth, their contempt for considered reflection, and their fear of debate.

If allowed to run free of the social system, capitalism will attempt to corrupt and undermine democracy, which is after all not a natural state.

Unregulated competition is a naive metaphor for anarchy.

Do you shovel to survive, or survive to shovel?

When will you ever accept the true ugliness of health?

I want to be a legend, like Celine Dion.

I needed to temper (my dad's) enthusiasm a bit (about attending Princeton), and so I announced that I would be majoring in patricide...My mom was actually jealous.

When our friends are present we ought to treat them well; and when they are absent, to speak of them well.

Dictators are not in the business of allowing elections that could remove them from their thrones.

The transformation toward eternal life is gradual. The heavy gross energy of body, mind, and spirit must first be purified and uplifted. When the energy ascends... then self mastery can be sought.

None of my friends are in the entertainment industry.

I've only played gangsters and cops, and I always have to be serious.

30 Rock is a little different from other current sitcoms, in that it's fast-paced, but the pace comes from the actors, not the editing.