How long before married people answer the dictators thus: Regardless of law, marriage has only one definition, and any government that attempts to change it is my mortal enemy. I will act to destroy that government and bring it down, so it can be replaced with a government that will respect and support marriage, and help me raise my children in a society where they will expect to marry in their turn.

If only we were wiser or better people, perhaps the gods would explain to us the mad, unbearable things they do.

A man always assumes that others are as virtuous as himself

The wise are not wise because they make no mistakes. They are wise because they correct their mistakes as soon as they recognize them.

America is an empire that does not wish to be one ; we are easily discouraged from doing what must be done to maintain the global order that allows democracy and prosperity to flourish.

O my son Absalom,' Bean said softly, knowing for the first time the kind of anguish that could tear such words from a man’s mouth. 'my son, my son Absalom. Would God I could die for thee, O Absalom, my son. My sons!

The essence of training is to allow error without consequence.