Democratically-oriented Jeffersonian inspiration has prevailed throughout history and certainly been more admired than capitalistic Hamiltonian-style motivations of greed and power.

China has no choice but to emulate the power of America’s founding ideas and its journey through the universal values of democratic freedom and individual rights.

Individual identities and national destines were shaped by the tripod of history, geography, and philosophy.

History is the archaeology of the present and future.

To achieve the ultimate Confucian objective—a virtuous society—America has favored the rule of laws over Confucian-style virtues.

A convergence exists in the search for human excellence on both sides of the Pacific Ocean.

China seems to have skillfully adapted a Monroe Doctrine, or “Ménluó” (a transliteration of the word “Monroe”) Doctrine, in America’s backyard.

The traditional Confucian structure that invoked ideals of perfect human virtue for harmony must incorporate the rule of law for the modern era.

This two-track plan of nationalism and development (in China) is a historically powerful weapon.

China is constantly reinventing itself and so is the United States.

When God sprinkled stars in the heavens, he opened our eyes to the wonders of the universe.

You were...are...what I heard. Every note.

I've never liked my smile, you see. I should have had braces as a kid, but I was too proud and too vain. And I didn't want to be bullied at school.

I have alternately been called an Aristocrat and a Democrat. I am neither. I am a Christocrat.

Any picture that needs a caption is a weak picture.

Within the silence, expansion, and sustained day by day concentration, I grow permeable.

Tell me what you want, what you really, really want," he said. "Braiiinnnnssss," we said in unison.

Everything vanishes round me and good works rise from me of their own accord.

I still love pop music, I still have a huge pop music collection, and I like that juxtaposition of styles.

What we learn from history is that people don't learn from history.