Germany must be a country which generates political ideas and leadership, which is capable of compromise, which is sovereign and yet knows that it needs its partners on both sides of the Atlantic.

I will be guided by the Christian ethic and an awareness that human action is by nature transient.

In my view, the humanity of our world can be measured against the fate of Africa.

A few weeks ago we were reminded that other peoples - in particular the United States of America - fought so that we Germans could live in liberty. That we should never forget.

If we know where we want to go, then even a stony road is bearable.

It is just not enough to strengthen the secret services for the fight against terrorism but it's also necessary to advance dialogue between cultures.

Germany's fate is decided first and foremost in Europe. Reconciliation and cooperation in Europe have brought us freedom, peace and prosperity. Who would have dared to believe so much 50 years ago?

Uncommunicated expectations are the shame of relationships.

If we don't change, millions of American families are just one medical emergency, or one layoff, away from financial disaster and bankruptcy.

To give real service you must add something which cannot be bought or measured with money, and that is sincerity and integrity.

These days, the Rolling Stones still have an edge, but that fangs-out ferocity has mellowed considerably.

Youth is a season that has no repose.

I like Chris Martin. I think he's a really great songwriter.

Someday a political genius will come along and make the Senate work.

To be a good detective you must also think like a crook, an immoral, unethical or unlawful person

Was I asleep? Had I slept?

The observations that have developed over the years have given us perspective about where we fit in. We are newcomers, really recent arrivals on a planet that is four and a half billion years old.