Henry A. Kissinger Quotes

As governor, I learned the importance of having an agenda.

The first requirement of a statesman is that he be dull.

I'm not a professional politician, I'm a problem solver.

When you see how the President makes political or policy decisions, you see who he is. The essence of the Presidency is decision-making.

There is no school that teaches you how to run a state. You make mistakes, but you learn on the job.

He [President Warren G. Harding] is a kind, companionable fellow to go with on a fishing expedition or to play cards with; but he is not the man to have as President or leader.

The distinction between a statesman and a politician is that the former imposes his will and his ideas on his environment while the latter adopts himself to it.

The president is the only one we have to make decisions. We have no one else.

To govern is to chose.

Effective Presidents are those who can achieve a balance between purpose and prudence.

Governing is about selecting.

I am sure of my ability to form a good government.

Governing has always been hard.

Nikki Haley is a proven leader. And that is what she should be judged on.

If you're in Congress, you vote and give speeches. But governors have to make decisions every day, and presidents have to make decisions every day.

Politics is the art of realizing what there is to realize.

When the President makes something a priority, we see action.

Good ideas are the backbone of good government.

You have to spend your political capital on great causes for your country.

I think 40 is a good age to run a country. But I've always been fast.

A statesman wants courage and a statesman wants vision; but believe me, after six months' experience, he wants first, second, third and all the time - patience.

In terms of the principles of politics, I think I understand well. Thailand needs someone who has leadership, who has the management skills to help the country.

I know General Grant better than any other person in the country can know him. It was my duty to study him, and I did so day and night, when I saw him and when I did not see him, and now I tell you what I know, he cannot govern this country.

Some of our finest leaders were not intellectuals at all, and I admire them enormously because they weren't. Harry Truman wasn't.

Governments need to have both shepherds and butchers.