I'm sure in a few years it will be unthinkable to say there were 20 years when we didn't recognize the People's Republic of China. And then we'll have to explain what the political constraints were and why it didn't happen earlier.

I feel religion is basically and essentially a communication between a man and his God and I think it is the most personal thing of all and I don't think it concerns too many people.

The past is to be respected and acknowledged, but not to be worshipped. It is our future in which we will find our greatness.

I think that as the guardian of justice elected by the people it's our duty to use whatever forms of force, police, army, to make sure that at least the freedom of choice is preserved.

The most beautiful missionaries I saw were those who talked less about religion but who were very generous in their approach.

For my part...I am a realist but, somehow, optimism always keeps breaking out.

We don't think every man should be free to pass on everything to his descendants.