Generally you should act somewhere between P40 and P70, as I call it. Sometime after you have obtained 40 percent of all the information you are liable to get, start thinking in terms of making a decision. When you have about 70 percent of all the information, you probably ought to decide, because you may lose an opportunity in losing time.
Colin PowellTime is passing, ... We have to look at the reality of the situation and ... redouble our efforts and get on with it.
Colin PowellWe got rid of a terrible dictator. We gave the Iraqi people an opportunity for a new life under a representative form of government.
Colin PowellEvery human endeavor has leaders and followers, and your job as a leader is to inspire.
Colin PowellAs I've thought about gay marriage, I don't see any reason not to say that [couples] should be able to get married.
Colin PowellWhenever you start-give it your best. The opportunities are there to be anything you want to be. But wanting to be someone isn't enough; dreaming about it isn't enough; thinking about it isn't enough. You've got to study for it, work for it, fight for it with all your heart and soul, because nobody is going to hand it to you.
Colin Powell