“I am especially aware of the role of scholars and students in making progress happen. Where others see unsolvable problems, you see paths that can lead to answers and successful action. This is the tradition of great scholarship of which you are a part…”

“Education is … an enabler, not only of productivity and success but also, of responsible citizenship. What's needed are connections as well as curriculum standards – support systems to encourage great thinking and innovation...”

“To thrive throughout your life, you must be prepared to think your way through change and growth and challenge. The best schools foster critical thinking and a restless curiosity. And strong ethics – respect for other people and other viewpoints; honesty; responsibility; compassion…”

“Perhaps most important, we've made a major investment in education. Jordan has expanded access to quality education, raised curriculum standards, increased teacher training, put computers in classrooms across the country and taught English language early...”

“Today more than ever we need creative minds to address the issues of the age. And one of the most urgent is this: How can humanity know so much, achieve so much, and yet fail so many people so badly?”

“Improving the standard of living for citizens also requires attention to health care, which is the right of every citizen – male or female...”