102 Quotes by James Wolfensohn

The only way really to influence countries, in terms of poverty, is to get them to change their policies and get them to understand what the issues are.

You don't succeed on corruption in five minutes. I wish one could.

China never borrowed less than $3 billion a year during my tenure. They were the most significant client. They used the Bank not just for money but for the know-how.

The Bank had never used the word 'corruption' at all until I got there, and the reason for that was, as the general counsel pointed out to me, that quite a number of our shareholders represented were not immune from corruption in their governments.

My observation on most people in national governments is that they have very little interest in and very little knowledge of the multinational institutions.

I believe and still believe that the Chinese government puts great weight on the experience of the Bank in terms of development.

Most people recognize that to create jobs is really the essential element in their drive against poverty.

It's probably conventional wisdom now that you bring openness of markets only after the market has developed to a certain level.

When I travel, I make certain that I spend at least half of my time in the field. You have to get out to meet people that are in poverty, that are looking to improve their lives. That's something that you can't read in books.