If you look at the history of the American capital market, there's probably no innovation more important than the idea of generally accepted accountancy principles.

Start with the idea that you can't repeal the laws of economics. Even if they are inconvenient.

Many children are taught to believe in God. I came to believe in the power of systems analysis.

You can't have a situation in which companies proceed on a permanent basis relying only on cash from the government.

Blaming speculators as a response to financial crisis goes back at least to the Greeks. It's almost always the wrong response.

The only antidote to dangerous ideas is strong alternatives vigorously advocated.

When I look out the window at my backyard, I can't think of anything interesting to ask. I mean, it's green, it's growing-but nothing occurs to me that any concentrated effort of thought could possibly enlighten. Whereas in economic, statistical, or mathematical kinds of things, I can think lots of questions.