Greatness is largely a social accident, and almost always socially supported.

Next to God we are indebted to women, first for life itself, and then for making it worth living.

We have a powerful potential in our youth, and we must have the courage to change old ideas and practices so that we may direct their power toward good ends.

Education is the great American adventure, the world's most colossal democratic experiment.

When they learn of Shakespeare and Goethe, we must teach them of Pushkin and Dumas. . . . Whatever the white man has done, we have done, and often better.

[To the patronizing train conductor who had twice said, 'Auntie, give me your ticket':] Which of my sister's sons are you?

The progress of the world will call for the best that all of us have to give.