In my opinion, life is more important than show business.
I think Australia has to be a country which has the 'Welcome' sign out.
I think the Australian people are very conscientious. During the 1980s and 1990s we proved they will respond conscientiously to necessary reforms. They mightn't like them but they'll accept them. But reforms have to be presented in a digestible format.
Politicians come in three varieties: straight men, fixers, and maddies.
No choice we can make as a nation lies between our history and our geography. We can hardly change either of them. They are immutable. The only choice we can make as a nation is the choice about our future.
I think the rise of China is one of the great events of all economic and human history, and I think this will be overwhelmingly a positive thing for the region and the world.
In the end it's the big picture which changes nations and whatever our opponents may say, Australia's changed inexorably for good, for the better.
The only unique contribution you can offer the world is to be who you actually are and no one else.
We are healed from suffering only by experiencing it to the full.
Is it possible to take river water back after it has mixed into the sea? The river and the sea are united and one now.
Naturally we all have an inclination to command, and a great aversion to obey; and yet it is certain that it is more for our good to obey than to command; hence perfect souls have always had a great affection for obedience, and have found all their joy and comfort in it.