Perfectionism, no less than isolationism or imperialism or power politics, may obstruct the paths to international peace. Let us not forget that the retreat to isolationism a quarter of a century ago was started not by a direct attack against international cooperation but against the alleged imperfections of the peace.

Preparation for defense is an inalienable prerogative of a sovereign state.

Our true destiny is not to be ministered unto but to minister to ourselves and to our fellow men.

Since becoming President, I have come to know that the finest of Americans we have abroad today are the missionaries of the cross. I am humiliated that I am not finding this out until this late day the worth of foreign missions and the nobility of the missionaries.

The country needs and, unless I mistake its temper, the country demands bold, persistent experimentation .

People die, but books never die. No man and no force can abolish memory.

It is a good thing to demand liberty for ourselves and for those who agree with us, but it is a better thing and a rarer thing to give liberty to others who do not agree with us.