I firmly believe you never should spend your time being the former anything.

People may oppose you, but when they realize you can hurt them, they'll join your side.

We're in a new world. We're in a world in which the possibility of terrorism, married up with technology, could make us very, very sorry that we didn't act.

You cannot be on one hand dedicated to peace and on the other dedicated to violence. Those two things are irreconcilable.

The best armor against everything around you is to be well educated, to work hard, to be twice as good as if you had to be, to do languages and culture better.

If you cannot allow people to do their jobs ... nobody with substance and creativity will work for you.

I think America is still a bright, shining city on the hill - not because we're perfect but because we struggle in our imperfections every day.

Out of struggle very often comes victory.

When somebody underestimated me, it made me want to prove them wrong.

There's no greater challenge and there is no greater honor than to be in public service.

Power is nothing unless you can turn it into influence.

Your passion may be hard to spot, so keep an open mind and keep searching.

Differences can be a strength.

You can never ask others to do something you would not do. That is integrity.

Leading in a complex world means recognizing the simple things you can do to make things better.

Every life is capable of greatness.

Education is of no value and talent is worthless - unless you have an unwavering aim. Never find yourself without a compass.

In America, with education and hard work, it really does not matter where you came from; it matters only where you are going.

Self esteem comes from achievements. Not from lax standards and false praise.