There is something very powerful about German music. That's why I chose German music with a European meaning for the day of my election.

I thoroughly believe that reading and literature can help a society to better understand itself.

That might sound shocking to some - and don't worry, I don't see myself as a king.

Ambition is never modest. If modesty means to have middling success, then I can only say: I'm not interested.

We will succeed, because we are fully committed, because, wherever we live, whoever we are, we all share the same responsibility: Make our planet great again.

I had decided that I wanted a dog from an animal shelter. Normally, presidents have purebred dogs, but my is a Labrador-griffon mix. Absolutely adorable.

For me, Europe consists of three things: sovereignty, unity and democracy.

I refuse to give into the sad reflex of French envy because this envy paralyzes our country.

My predecessor taxed wealthy, successful people at a higher rate than ever before. And what happened? They left. And what came of it? Did unemployment drop? No.

I have great respect for Angela Merkel, even if we have a lot of differences.

Post-modernism was the worst thing that could have happened to our democracy. The idea that you have to deconstruct and destroy all grand narratives is not a good one.

I tried to hate you, to forgive you, all just to forget you, but I'm only capable of loving you. You're tattooed onto my skin, and the more I try to erase you, the deeper you sink in.

Why don't you speak for yourself John?

It's usually quite easy to shrug and write something else instead.

Those who prepared for all the emergencies of life beforehand may equip themselves at the expense of joy.

The court does not fly off the handle. It does not shout abuse. It speaks calmly.

Shirley and Griffey get along like a rattler and a parrot.

I believe in being fully present. That means you should be with the person you’re with.

Molded salads are best served in situations where they have little or no competition ... Like television, gelatin is too often a vehicle for limp leftovers that couldn't make it anywhere else.

We're introducing separate rooms with double beds in all of our planes so people can actually go with their partner and have a proper night's sleep...

When asked whether he minded if someone smoked in a non-smoking compartment. Certainly not if you don't object if I'm sick.