"I firmly believe that the mission of religion in the 21st century must be to contribute concretely to the peaceful coexistence of humankind."

"No one should be left to suffer alone."

"Likewise, education can direct people toward good or evil ends. When education is based on a fundamentally distorted worldview, the results are horrific."

"When one takes action for others, one's own suffering is transformed into the energy that can keep one moving forward; a light of hope illuminating a new tomorrow for oneself and others is kindled."

"The advantages found in history seem to be of three kinds, as it amuses the fancy, as it improves the understanding, and as it strengthens virtue."

"The faith religious believers have in God is small compared to the faith people put in politicians, knowing how many times they have been disappointed in the past but still insisting that this time it will be different."

"The true history of my administration will be written 50 years from now, and you and I will not be around to see it."

"Whoso neglects learning in his youth, loses the past and is dead for the future."