There is no room for play in Islam... It is deadly serious about everything.

We are not afraid of economic sanctions or military intervention. What we are afraid of is Western universities.

Americans are the great Satan, the wounded snake.

Islamic state means a state based on justice and democracy and structured upon Islamic rules and laws.

Islam is politics or it is nothing.

After the Shah's departure from Iran, I will not become a president nor accept any other leadership role. Just like before, I limit my activities only to guiding and directing the people.

In the Islamic Republic the rights of the religious minorities are respectfully regarded.

If a fly gets into the throat of one who is fasting, it is not necessary to pull it out.

In Iran's future Islamic system everyone can express their opinion, and the Islamic government will respond to logic with logic.

The Imam throughout his life called America 'the Great Satan'. He believed that all the Muslims' problems were caused by America.

Those who say that we want nationality, they are standing against Islam....We have no use for the nationalists. Moslems are useful for us. Islam is against nationality.

When God's favour and Godly flavour is in you, your haters will taste wisdom and the only thing they can do is to regret ever tasting a sweet thing.

I hope that when I'm 80 years old, people will still be talking about my wedding.

I surround myself with strong willed, courageous personalities, because I've got to be coached by the best.

I don't believe in religion, for I don't see that your religious people are any better than the rest.

I don't ever go on the Internet. I don't even know how it works.

What man would dare believe that all he planned might come to pass?

The harpsichord was actually ideologically considered a very questionable instrument in that period, much like I think it's ideologically considered suspect today in some circles.

But they don't use law-they use law for their interests. They don't go by law, international, federal, local-nothing! They go by whatever is expedient to protect the interests that are at stake.

Leadership is a series of behaviors rather than a role for heroes.

I started playing the piano when I was about two and got a scholarship to the Peabody Conservatory of Music in Baltimore when I was five. But I left when I was 11.