Don't accept the post or stay unless you have an understanding with the President that you're free to tell him what you think "with the bark off" and you have the courage to do it.

Politics is human beings; it's addition rather than subtraction.

I don't do quagmires.

When you raise issues with the President, try to come away with both that decision and also a precedent. Pose issues so as to evoke broader policy guidance. This can help to answer a range of similar issues likely to arise later.

Secretary Powell and I agree on every single issue that has ever been before this administration except for those instances where Colin's still learning.

Success tends to go not to the person who is error-free, because he also tends to be risk-averse. Rather it goes to the person who recognizes that life is pretty much a percentage business. It isn't making mistakes that's critical; it's correcting them and getting on with the principal task.

When cutting staff at the Pentagon, don't eliminate the thin layer that assures civilian control.