"The idea of a political conception of justice is that it applies to the basic structure of society and is independent of any comprehensive philosophical or religious doctrine."

"The concept of justice I want to elaborate is that of justice as fairness."

"Once we understand the principles of justice, we can then apply them to the real world, and see what kind of society they would lead to."

"We are not trying to find a theory that explains our considered judgments of justice; we are trying to find a theory that justifies them."

"The basic liberties can be restricted only for the sake of liberty itself."