If you develop rules, never have more than ten.

If the staff lacks policy guidance against which to test decisions, their decisions will be random.

If I know the answer I'll tell you the answer, and if I don't I'll just respond cleverly.

Reduce the number of lawyers. They are like beavers - they get in the middle of the stream and dam it up.

Be yourself. Follow your instincts. Success depends, at least in part, on the ability to 'carry it off.'

From where you sit, the White House may look as untidy as the inside of a stomach. As is said of the legislative process, sausage-making and policy-making shouldn't be seen close-up. Don't let that panic you. Things may be going better than they look from the inside.

The Secretary of Defense is not a super General or Admiral. His task is to exercise civilian control over the Department for the Commander-in-Chief and the country.