The rise of China and the resurgence of Russia have challenged the idea that liberal democracy is the only viable form of government.

The only thing you sometimes have control over is perspective. You don't have control over your situation. But you have a choice about how you view it.

One of the greatest ways to avoid trouble is to keep it simple...the system often goes out of control.

解释：国家大而政绩小，国家的影响就跟它的政绩一样；国家小而政绩大，国家的地位也大。