To understand my feelings — and my conception of the role of Secretary General — the nature of my religious and cultural background must first be understood. I should therefore like to outline not only my beliefs but also my conception of human institutions and of the human situation itself.

The single most important impediment to global institutions is the concept of "my country, right or wrong".

Governments, systems, ideologies come and go, but it is humanity which remains.

I don't like to be disturbed at home; I tell the cable office not to call me before 6:30 AM, unless there's a war.

Understanding, love and tolerance are the highest forms of interest on out small and interdependent planet.

Respect for the truth comes close to being the basis for all morality.

To understand my feelings — and my conception of the role of Secretary General — the nature of my religious and cultural background must first be understood. I should therefore like to outline not only my beliefs but also my conception of human institutions and of the human situation itself.