(FORTUNE Magazine) – -- BORIS GOSTEV, 61, minister of finance for the Soviet Union, on why he may levy new taxes on companies that let pay rise faster than productivity: ''As Keynes said, there's no more destructive power than excessive wages.''

-- RICHARD BRANSON, 38, founder of Virgin Group, on why he is taking the British communication and entertainment company private after taking it public just two years ago: ''There's no such thing as a friendly shareholder.''

-- WILLIAM McCORMICK, 44, chief executive of Fireman's Fund Insurance, which won't write or renew auto coverage in California after the passing of a proposition to cut rates over 20%, on the man who inspired the referendum: ''We'll tell our policyholders to call Ralph Nader.''