History is a better guide than good intentions.

There is no pure free-market economy.

A government is not legitimate merely because it exists.

I was a woman in a man's world. I was a Democrat in a Republican administration. I was an intellectual in a world of bureaucrats. I talked differently. This may have made me a bit like an ink blot.

Words can destroy. What we call each other ultimately becomes what we think of each other, and it matters.

I conclude that it is a fundamental mistake to think that salvation, justice, or virtue come through merely human institutions.

Democrats can't get elected unless things get worse-and things won't get worse unless they get elected.

Truth, which is important to a scholar, has to be concrete. And there is nothing more concrete than dealing with babies, burps and bottles, frogs and mud.

What takes place in the Security Council more closely resembles a mugging than either a political debate or an effort at problem-solving.

Power ... is not an end in itself, but is an instrument that must be used toward an end.

For all their faults, right-wing authoritarian regimes more easily accept democratic reforms than left-wing totalitarian states.

Joy is a loyal companion, love is a faithful friend, fear is a terrible adversary, and hatred is a merciless enemy.

I don't need to write a memoir of my life. All you need to do is read one of my books. I'm there.

My advice would be to write what is most personal and specific to your experience or your life. And your voice will emerge and because of its specificity, it will be universal.

Consolation Calm down. Both your sins and your good deeds will be lost in oblivion.

Always dream big dreams. Big dreams attract big people.

Do you still believe it impossible we exist? You didn't actually think you were the only inhabited planet in the universe. How can any race be so stupid?

Potty mouth, rock star, at the top and still tryna climb, Drop the top sit back recline

Your confidence in the people, and your doubt about them, are closely related to your self-confidence and your self-doubt.

Getting anywhere you want is hard work. In this photography culture, everything looks so amazing. But it's actually very hard to get to where anybody gets.

I am happy with what I do. I'd love to be the manager of the Atlanta Braves, but they hired somebody this week. So I'll just have to be inordinately happy with one of the best jobs on the planet.