Those [presidents] who were strongest intellectually were also strongest spiritually.

The complacent, the self-indulgent, the soft societies are about to be swept away with the debris of history. Only the strong, only the industrious, only the determined, only the courageous, only the visionary who determine the real nature of our struggle can possibly survive.

Moral courage is more a rare commodity than bravery in a battle or great intelligence.

Sailing has given me some of the most pleasant and exciting moments of my life. It also has taught me something of the courage, resourcefulness, and strength of men who sail the seas in ships.

Aeschylus and Plato are remembered today long after the triumphs of Imperial Athens are gone. Dante outlived the ambitions of thirteenth century Florence. Goethe stands serenely above the politics of Germany, and I am certain that after the dust of centuries has passed over cities, we too will be remembered not for victories or defeats in battle or in politics, but for our contribution to the human spirit.

Automation does not need to be our enemy. I think machines can make life easier for men, if men do not let the machines dominate them.

So let us begin anew - remembering on both sides that civility is not a sign of weakness, and sincerity is always subject to proof