The problem with a purely collective system is not only that it requires economic growth, and the right sort of demographic trends, but that it prevents people thinking about their futures in a responsible way.

Fundamentally, American society is composed of individuals who don't go out of their way to do each other favours.

The driving force behind the liberal counter-offensive in Europe has been a reaction against irresponsibility.

Contrary to what people say, my wife never turned me away from the presidency. She told me to reflect on it and do what I wanted.

The problem of how we finance the welfare state should not obscure a separate issue: if each person thinks he has an inalienable right to welfare, no matter what happens to the world, that's not equity, it's just creating a society where you can't ask anything of people.

The unions may continue to decline, but if they do, it'll be their fault.

My presidential victory, if it had happened, would have been artificial in relation to the Socialist party. It may be that on my deathbed, I will come to regret my decision, but for the moment, I live at peace with it.