Colin Powell

Perpetual optimism is a force multiplier. I am talking about a gung-ho attitude that says 'we can change things here, we can achieve awesome goals, we can be the best. 'Spare me the grim litany of the 'realist;' give me the unrealistic aspirations of the optimist any day.

One of the fondest expressions around is that we can't be the world's policeman. But guess who gets called when suddenly someone needs a cop.

Success is the result of perfection, hard work, learning from failure, loyalty, and persistence.

If you get the dirty end of the stick, sharpen it and turn it into a useful tool.

High-quality early-childhood programs and health coverage have expanded, and the number of mentoring relationships for at-risk youth has risen dramatically. That progress is encouraging, but it's not evenly distributed.

As I've thought about gay marriage, I don't see any reason not to say that [couples] should be able to get married.

As I have done in every election since I started voting so many years ago, I always like to take my time and examine the two candidates, see not only the two candidates but the policies they will bring in, the people they will bring in, who they might appoint to the Supreme Court, and look at the whole range of issues before making a decision.

Diplomacy is listening to what the other guy needs. Preserving your own position, but listening to the other guy. You have to develop relationships with other people so when the tough times come, you can work together.

The United States-Israeli relationship is based on the broadest conception of American national interest in which our two nations are bound forever together by common democratic values and traditions. This will never change.

Avoid having your ego so close to your position that when your position falls, your ego goes with it.

So like any football or basketball coach, you always always believe you're going to win.

It is the job of leaders to eliminate uncertainty.

Never receive counsel from unproductive people. Never discuss your problems _x000D_ with someone incapable of contributing to the solution, because those who _x000D_ never succeed themselves are always first to tell you how. Not everyone has _x000D_ a right to speak into your life. You are certain to get the worst of the _x000D_ bargain when you exchange ideas with the wrong person. Don't follow anyone _x000D_ who's not going anywhere.

He (Saddam Hussein) has not developed any significant capability with respect to weapons of mass destruction. He is unable to project conventional power against his neighbours.

Yup, the whole birther movement was racist.

A mirror reflects a man's face, but what he is really like is shown by the_x000D_ kind of friends he chooses.

The chief condition on which, life, health and vigor depend on, is action. It is by action that an organism develops its faculties, increases its energy, and attains the fulfillment of its destiny.

The Army will take its lessons learned. They're excellent at looking into themselves and reflecting on what did we do right, what did we do wrong.

The idea that putting Americans 'first' requires a withdrawal from the world is simply wrongheaded because a retreat would achieve exactly the opposite for our citizens.

Free speech is intended to protect the controversial and even outrageous word; and not just comforting platitudes too mundane to need protection.

Look for intelligence and judgment and, most critically, a capacity to anticipate, to see around corners. Also look for loyalty, integrity, a high energy drive, a balanced ego and the drive to get things done.