Some people suggest that the problem is the separation of powers. If you had a parliamentary system the struggle for power would not result in such complex peace treaties that empower so many different people to pursue so many contradictory aims.

Some think that by preparing to deal with crises you make them more likely. I think the wiser judgment is the contrary. In this area at least if you want peace or stability it's better to prepare for war or instability.

That was my first lesson from Ben-Gurion. Then I saw him making peace and I saw him making war. He mobilized me before the war. The man was a very rare combination between a real intellectual and a born leader. There is a contradiction between the two.

We do not consider patriotism desirable if it contradicts civilized behavior.

Whatsoever is contrary to nature is contrary to reason and whatsoever is contrary to reason is absurd.

As a means of contrast with the sublime the grotesque is in our view the richest source that nature can offer.

Miracles are not contrary to nature but only contrary to what we know about nature.

Consistency is contrary to nature contrary to life. The only completely consistent people are dead.

Mistakes are almost always of a sacred nature. Never try to correct them. On the contrary: rationalize them understand them thoroughly. After that it will be possible for you to sublimate them.

I often begin movies with music in my head it's a very important dimension to me. Not just the music itself but how to use music in film: when and how and subtlety. I don't like to be too sweet in my stories and I like the abrasive clang the contrasting of sounds and cultures.

Good morning is a contradiction of terms.

A system of capitalism presumes sound money not fiat money manipulated by a central bank. Capitalism cherishes voluntary contracts and interest rates that are determined by savings not credit creation by a central bank.

We were poor. But my mom never accepted that. She worked hard to become a residential contractor - got her master's with honors at the University of New Orleans. I used to go to every class with her. Her father was my paternal figure.

The 'morality of compromise' sounds contradictory. Compromise is usually a sign of weakness or an admission of defeat. Strong men don't compromise it is said and principles should never be compromised.

If there existed no external means for dimming their consciences one-half of the men would at once shoot themselves because to live contrary to one's reason is a most intolerable state and all men of our time are in such a state.

Only free men can negotiate. A prisoner cannot enter into contracts.

I was proud to share the stories of my friends at Georgetown Law who have suffered dire medical consequences because our student insurance does not cover contraception for the purpose of preventing pregnancy.