Foreign policy will require a strategic agility that, whenever possible, gets ahead of problems, strengthens U.S. security and alliances, and promotes American interests and credibility.

History has shown that a country most effectively speaks with one voice. When nationally elected officials work together, build consensus, and provide leadership, the American people will follow.

If America is to succeed in responding to these 21st Century challenges, our political system cannot continue to bog down in the mire of partisan gamesmanship.

Politics or ideology must not get in the way of sound planning.

You can't just drop the 82nd Airborne into Baghdad and it will all be over.

Engagement is not appeasement. Engagement is not surrender.

Alliances and international organizations should be understood as opportunities for leadership and a means to expand our influence, not as constraints on our power.

I took an oath of office to the Constitution, I didn't take an oath of office to my party or my president.

And this - this board was - was impanelled in 1951. And it's gone through ups and downs in how the secretaries have used it. But I have put a premium on that advisory board.

Peace comes through dealing with people. Peace doesn't come at the end of a bayonet or the end of a gun.

No one person leads alone - can't do it, it's impossible. It doesn't make any sense. You need a team.

Life is hard, Should you be too?

The whole world may tell you how beautiful you are but there is that one person whose compliment will make you feel like a million bucks!

Lola Montes is, in my unhumble opinion, the greatest film of all time, and I am willing to stake my critical reputation, such as it is, on this one proposition above all others.

Teaching writing is a hustle.

Convinced myself, I seek not to convince.

Women, ever since there have been women, have had a way of being people.

Freedom rests on finding the meaning and lessons even in our greatest pain.

As a child I was very involved with sports and I knew at age 9 that I wanted to be an Olympic champion.

I was born the son of a humble mechanic. A quantum mechanic.

Everything is worship if your mind is focused on the present moment.