I continue to believe contrary to the given wisdom that it's more interesting to have an album - or indeed an individual song - which has variety rather than homogeneity.

Analysts may be correct that the presidential election won't primarily turn on entitlements reform but by choosing Paul Ryan as his running mate Mitt Romney can contrary to conventional wisdom make it a winning issue and lay the foundation for a reform mandate when he wins.

Some have argued that confronting the threat from Iraq could detract from the war against terror. To the contrary confronting the threat posed by Iraq is crucial to winning the war on terror.

The exact contrary of what is generally believed is often the truth.

What is earnest is not always true on the contrary error is often more earnest than truth.

Truth like light blinds. Falsehood on the contrary is a beautiful twilight that enhances every object.

The way to Heaven is ascending we must be content to travel uphill though it be hard and tiresome and contrary to the natural bias of our flesh.

The common idea that success spoils people by making them vain egotistic and self-complacent is erroneous on the contrary it makes them for the most part humble tolerant and kind.

My hope is that the Chinese government will come to realise that it is futile to repress free speech and that contrary to what they believe a regime's strength rests not its suppression of a plurality of opinions and ideas but in its capacity and willingness to encourage them.

When we long for life without difficulties remind us that oaks grow strong in contrary winds and diamonds are made under pressure.