“In a period of economic downturn, the overwhelming instinct is to pare...” — Michael Porter Quote

“In a period of economic downturn, the overwhelming instinct is to pare back, cut costs, and lay off. If you do that, do so with your strategy in mind. The worst mistake is to cut across the board. Instead, reconnect and recommit to a clear strategy that will distinguish yourself from others.”

“The underlying principles of strategy are enduring, regardless of technology or the pace of change.”

“Ultimately, health care fails the most basic test. It's not organized around the needs of the patient.”

“Billions are wasted on ineffective philanthropy. Philanthropy is decades behind business in applying rigorous thinking to the use of money.”

“Unfortunately, I'm an engineer. I'm always thinking about, what's the task and how do I get it done? And some of my tasks are pretty broad, and pretty fuzzy, and pretty funky, but that's the way I think.”

“There's a fundamental distinction between strategy and operational effectiveness.”

“It takes collaboration across a community to develop better skills for better lives.”

“When we read about reading, we get to share an experience that is usually kept private. Incisive descriptions of reading help us to understand what is going on when our eyes move across words on the page.”

“Electricity can be dangerous. My nephew tried to stick a penny into a plug. Whoever said a penny doesn't go far didn't see him shoot across that floor. I told him he was grounded.”

“We are in a situation with the huge stimulus package that's going to be spent all across this nation and a big financial crisis and banking crisis. And what we need is good, trained journalists who can play the role of watchdog.”

“The School Energy Crisis Relief Act authorizes the Secretary of Energy to issue energy assistance grants to help the poorest school districts across the Nation offset these unexpected and challenging costs.”

“We need a Prime Minister who can command support from across the broad Conservative family. Someone who can meaningfully work with others, perhaps, of a different shade of blue.”