We cannot hope to win the ideological battle against Islam without criticism of Islam, it is essential that we continue to criticize Islam.

I wish more people would belabor the obvious, and more often.

It is the West that has liberated women, racial minorities, religious minorities, and gays and lesbians, recognizing and defending their rights. The notions of freedom and human rights were present at the dawn of Western civilization, as ideals at least, but have gradually come to fruition through supreme acts of self-criticism.

Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness: this triptych succinctly defines the attractiveness and superiority of Western civilization.

By working and living in New York, you are breathing Western civilization, continuously reminded of its benefits and its values.

I maintain that Western popular culture at its best is worthy of respect and should be cherished as much as the operas of Wagner.

You can't grow up without taking a few knocks on the way. All parents know that, but children when they're growing up, they take some knocks, and nasty knocks sometimes if they've been too protected.