The real distinction is between those who adapt their purposes to reality and those who seek to mold reality in the light of their purposes.

Why should we flagellate ourselves for what the Cambodians did to each other?

Behind the slogans lay an intellectual vacuum.

I have always expressed respect for those people who make public declarations.

It is, after all, the responsibility of the expert to operate the familiar and that of the leader to transcend it.

Every time there has been an attempt to disturb it, it led to two things. It led to immediate intense conflict with China, and it led to a reaffirmation in the end, because nobody wanted a major confrontation with China to this principle of a "one China" policy within which Taiwan is finding a place now. Its own position has greatly improved since the Nixon policy. It is richer, it is stronger and it is participating in many international organizations.

The history of things that didn't happen has never been written.