It was the very fact that no one ever imposed anything on me or tried to impose himself on the others.

They're the problems of poverty, of the rights of the individual, of the changes brought about by technology. They're the ones that count, more than religion!

In an underdeveloped society, the first anxiety is of infant mortality. In an advanced one it is to keep alive the aged.

Peace we want because there is another war to fight against poverty, disease and ignorance.

I suggested a compromise to give the banks a year's time and see if they succeed in showing us that nationalization wasn't necessary. The year went by and we realized it hadn't done any good, that the money still ended up in the hands of the rich industrialists or friends of the bankers. So I concluded that it was necessary to nationalize the banks. And we did. Without considering it a socialist gesture or an antisocialist gesture, just a necessary one. Anyone who nationalizes only so as to be considered on the left to me is a fool.

I don't care if I remain prime minister. I'm only interested in doing a good job as long as I'm capable and for as long as I don't get tired.

I think one should do what seems right. And if what seems right involves danger...well, one must risk the danger.