In my view, there's no doubt that the Soviets had infinitely greater trouble holding their structure together than we did.
Henry A. KissingerAny international system must have two key elements for it to work. One, it has to have a certain equilibrium of power that makes overthrowing the system difficult and costly. Secondly, it has to have a sense of legitimacy.
Henry A. KissingerThis country cannot afford to tear itself apart on a partisan basis on issues so vital to our national security.
Henry A. KissingerBecoming conscious is of course a sacrilege against nature; it is as though you had robbed the unconscious of something. The nice thing about being a celebrity is that if you bore people they think it's their fault.
Henry A. KissingerNothing is more urgent than a serious, dare I say compassionate, debate as to where we are going at home and abroad. Technicians cannot master revolutions; every great achievement was an idea before it became a reality. Cathedrals cannot be built by those who are paralyzed by doubt or consumed by cynicism. If a society loses the capacity for great conception, it can be administered but not governed.
Henry A. Kissinger