Every government is a parliament of whores. The trouble is, in a democracy, the whores are us.

People shouldn't be treated like objects. They aren't that valuable.

If you spend seventy-two hours in a place you've never been, talking to people whose language you don't speak about social, political, and economic complexities you don't understand, and you come back as the world's biggest know-it-all, you're a reporter.

There is only one basic human right: the right to do as you please, without causing others harm. With it comes our only basic human duty: the duty to accept the consequences of our actions.

I believe that Western civilization, after some disgusting glitches, has become almost civilized. I believe it is our first duty to protect that civilization. I believe it is our second duty to improve it. I believe it is our third duty to extend it if we can.

People will tell you anything but what they do is always the truth.

When I get in deep water, I prefer to announce that I'm in over my head.