Now I basically just read spy stories because they're about solving a puzzle within the constraints of history. It's the tick tock, the clockwork that I'm interested in.

The visionary starts with a clean sheet of paper, and re-imagines the world.

We don't know where our first impressions come from or precisely what they mean, so we don't always appreciate their fragility.

The great accomplishment of Jobs's life is how effectively he put his idiosyncrasies - his petulance, his narcissism, and his rudeness - in the service of perfection.

If everyone has to think outside the box, maybe it is the box that needs fixing.

The successful are those who have been given opportunities.

An aggressive drug-testing program would cut down on certain abuses, but its never going to catch everyone - or even close to everyone.

There will be statues of Bill Gates across the Third World. There's a reasonable shot that - because of his money - we will cure malaria.

Outlier are those who have been given opportunities-- -and who have had the strength and presence of mind to seize them.

When you're an underdog, you're forced to try things you would never otherwise have attempted.

If we are to learn to improve the quality of the decisions we make, we need to accept the mysterious nature of our snap judgments.

Aren't women prudes if they don't and prostitutes if they do?

The truth is that at the White House and in Congress, you are as likely to find sympathy for animal issues among Republicans as among Democrats.

The term accessories has come to include a host of photographic gadgets of questionable value.

No matter what happens in public—no matter what—don’t doubt that I love you and care about your welfare . . . as much as I am able.

You must have a good time meeting people if you expect them to have a good time meeting you.

The issue of race could benefit from a period of benign neglect.

The Constitution guarantees due process, not judicial process.

We listen with deep interest to what we hear, for to man novelty is ever charming.

Of all the pursuits open to men, the search for wisdom is most perfect, more sublime, more profitable, and more full of joy.

Cheat your landlord if you can -- and must -- but do not try to shortchange the Muse.