The people ask much, often more than any government can give. We must resist the temptation to promise solutions to all problems.

Be assured that I did not become the Mayor of Chicago to preside over its decline.

If we are to succeed, we must recognize that the community redevelopment is not solely the rehabilitation of housing, or putting a mall in the business strips.

The Chicago Symphony is considered the greatest orchestra in the world.

Our universities and museums are respected around the country.

Politics never takes a holiday in Chicago.

I accept that responsibility and ask only that I be judged by my performance as its chief executive.

But I am committed to keeping this city a strong and viable center for commerce and industry, for continuing to make it a place of opportunity for its citizens.

The nation can no longer afford to continue policies that hasten the flight of persons to the distant suburbs.

City employees will be hired and promoted because of their abilities - without outside interference.

Tonight - by taking this solemn oath - I am no longer a private citizen but the Mayor of the City of Chicago.

You've to stand up for yourself. If you don't, no one else will.

If we have received a precious gift from God, it is our imagination. When we tap into our powers of imagination, we are bombs of possibilities.

We love Cyclops and as you know, we love James. It's a great team and we'll continue the team, obviously.

The course of history as a whole is no object of experience; history has no eidos, because the course of history extends into the unknown future.

There are shantytowns in South Africa that are built better than Renaults!

People are ultimately threatened by young people taking positions of power.

I came out of independent film, that's my roots.

You might say that science operates pragmatically and religion by divine guidance. If valid, they would reach the same conclusions but science would take a lot longer.

The most dangerous thought you can have as a creative person is to think you know what you’re doing.