I always assume that democracy is the only good form of government, quite frankly, and democracy is always to be preferred

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.

History is a better guide than good intentions.

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.

Knowledge is borrowed wisdom is unique.

It's just that life felt the right size in there... not too big and not too small. Wasn't so hard to work up a bit of courage. It's got so bloody complicated since then.

I can barely conceive of a type of beauty in which there is no Melancholy.

Animal personalities have always intrigued me, the desire to find out more about them made a reader out of me.

If we are to survive, our loyalties must be broadened further, to include the whole human community, the entire planet Earth.

The land of Ireland for the people of Ireland

When you're a professional you gotta do it [your job] when you don't feel like doing it.

An attitude's growth never stops.

If I were scared of rednecks, I would've moved on a long time ago. That's not a fear I struggle with.

Productivity is never an accident. It is always the result of a commitment to excellence, intelligent planning, and focused effort.