What takes place in the Security Council more closely resembles a mugging than either a political debate or an effort at problem-solving.

I conclude that it is a fundamental mistake to think that salvation, justice, or virtue come through merely human institutions.

All of us confront limits of body, talent, temperament. But that is not all. We are, all of us, also constrained by our time, our place, our civilization.

I don't think the government (of El Salvador) was responsible. The nuns were not just nuns; the nuns were political activists. We ought to be a little more clear-cut about this than we usually are. They were political activists on behalf of the Frente and somebody who is using violence to oppose the Frente killed them.

Look, I don't even agree with myself at times.

A government is not legitimate merely because it exists.

[The American position at the UN is] essentially impotent, without influence, heavily outvoted, and isolated.