Sometimes friends are dangerous. We must be very careful about the help friends give us.

By now even the word socialism has so many meanings and interpretations. The Russians call themselves socialists, the Swedes call themselves. And let's not forget that in Germany there was also a national socialism.

I'm trained to difficulties; difficulties can't be eliminated from life.

Satisfied is a word I use only in reference to my country, and I'll never be satisfied for my country. For this reasons I go on taking difficult paths, and between a paved road and a footpath that goes up the mountain, I choose the footpath. To the great irritation of my bodyguards.

I know I'll astonish everyone by talking like this, but it's God's truth. Honors have never tempted me and I've never sought them.

You cannot shake hands with a clenched fist.

As for the job of prime minister, I like it, yes. But no more than I've liked other work that I've done as an adult.