Jim Talent Quotes

When it is not necessary to change, it is necessary not to change.

Don't fix what's not broken.

Let well enough alone.

If it ain't broke, don't break it.

I tell people if it aint broke don't fix it.

Keep what you have; the known evil is best.

It will always be a battle a day between those who want maximum change and those who want to maintain the status quo.

The conservative who resists change is as valuable as the radical who proposes it.

Change occurs in direct proportion to dissatisfaction, but dissatisfaction never changes.

There is danger in reckless change; but greater danger in blind conservatism.

If we want everything to remain as it is, it will be necessary for everything to change.

We have to go in and win this war quickly, and then be prepared to help stabilize Iraq over an indefinite period, five to ten years, at a minimum, I believe, using a large fraction of American forces. This is a major undertaking that likely would require a total of 150,000 troops and could stay above 100,000 for several years

If the United States were attacked by rockets from one of our neighboring countries, we would be a lot tougher on them than Israel has been on the Palestinians. When we were attacked, we sent an army abroad and took over Afghanistan from the Taliban.

I make an earnest appeal to those who hold responsible positions both in this country and abroad to weigh their words very carefully before they utter them on this matter, bearing in mind the consequences that may flow from some rash or thoughtless phrase. By exercising caution and patience and self-restraint we may yet be able to save the peace of Europe.

Sometimes we get comfortable with the status quo, even when the status quo isn’t any good.

Reform that you may preserve.

I don’t have a problem going after people who want to attack this country

You don't try to fix things that aren't broken.

Sometimes people want change just to change. It doesn't mean it's going to be better.

You want to harbor your resources and try not to make a mistake.

When you have something that is perfect, that occupies a position and sector unrivaled by anyone else, that's one thing we do not want to tamper with.

We have conferred a mystic popularity upon officials whose only virtue is their timidity; while our scorn of rebels and reformers is so great that we have ceased to persecute them. The capitals and governments of the world are in the hands of caution; and change comes over them only in the night, unseen.

It is always wiser, where there is a choice, to trust inertia. It is the greatest force in the world.

If it ain't broke, don't fix it.

You can change the world. Please don't do that, OK? Some of us like the way things are going now.