The first priority is to make sure we have capital to continue to have capital available to put into the financial system. That's the first priority.

I'm a straightforward person. I like to be direct with people.

I don't see (subprime mortgage market troubles) imposing a serious problem. I think it's going to be largely contained.

It's a safe banking system, a sound banking system. Our regulators are on top of it. This is a very manageable situation.

Our overriding goal in restructuring our financial architecture should be that taxpayers never again have to save a failing financial institution.

There's always light at the end of the tunnel, right? It just depends on how long the tunnel is.

I never once considered that it was appropriate to put taxpayer money on the line in resolving Lehman Brothers.

In just about every area of society, there's nothing more important than ethics.

Economic growth and environmental protection are not at odds. They're opposite sides of the same coin if you're looking at longer-term prosperity.

Every global concern - economic, environmental or security-related - can be addressed more effectively when the U.S. and China work together.

Regulation needs to catch up with innovation.

Just leave me alone, I want to be alone, ” she said when Jack tried to open the car door. She hit the lock, and wound the window up. Since the roof was down, it was a fairly pointless exercise.

Sorry, one night stands don't stack up as credentials for tending bar.

It is easier for the world to accept a simple lie than a complex truth.

Realize your own potential and try to live out your expectations of your potential.

That sense of ambition, of aspiration, of moving forward, will be very important

In a world of constant change, the fundamentals are more important than ever.

From the beginning, when I first got an idea for a story and wondered if I could write it, it has always been the story that has driven me.

Power leads to more power, no matter what your racket, and not only were they rich and influential but they were smart as hell, too.

The values of life are most important.

There's something really cool about getting scared. I don't know what.