With the situation as gray as it could be, no one was more conspicuous in his calm presence of mind than Washington. They must be "cool but determined" he had told the men before the battle, when spirits were high. Now, in the face of catastrophe, he was demonstrating what he meant by his own example. Whatever anger or torment or despair he felt, he kept to himself.

Napoleon could never imagine that some people loved their country as much as he loved his own.

It was a day and age that saw no reason why one could not learn whatever was required - learn vitally anything - by the close study of books.

In time I began to understand that it's when you start writing that you really find out what you don't know and need to know.

My wife, the star I steer by.

However little television you watch, watch less.

History is a guide to navigation in perilous times. History is who we are and why we are the way we are.