There can be no security where there is fear.

It is important not to give the appearance of a predisposed mind. And it is more important not to let the mind become predisposed.

Judicial judgment must take deep account...of the day before yesterday in order that yesterday may not paralyze today.

Lincoln's appeal to "the better angels of our nature" failed to avert a fratricidal war. But the compassionate wisdom of Lincoln's first and second inaugurals bequeathed to the Union, cemented with blood, a moral heritage which, when drawn upon in times of stress and strife, is sure to find specific ways and means to surmount difficulties that may appear to be insurmountable.

If one man can be allowed to determine for himself what is law, every man can. That means first chaos, then tyranny. Legal process is an essential part of the democratic process.

Wisdom too often never comes, and so one ought not to reject it merely because it comes late.

Freedom of the press is not an end in itself but a means to the end of a free society.