The courtesy which most becomes a victor was denied to Germany for a long time.

A Shakespeare could have arisen only on English soil. In the same way, your great dramatists and poets express the nature and essence of the Norwegian people, but they also express that which is universally valid for all mankind.

To contrast national solidarity and international cooperation as two opposites seems foolish to me.

Just as the child is father to the man, so the impressions of one's youth remain the most vivid in manhood.

The life of the individual is a continuous combat with errors and obstacles, and no victory is more satisfying than the one achieved against opposition.

The great men of a nation reach out to all mankind. They are unifying, not divisive; internationally conciliating and still great nationally.

During the past few years I have led a sometimes hard battle for German foreign policy.