The whole art of politics consists in directing rationally the irrationalities of men.
Reinhold NiebuhrOur dreams of bringing the whole of human history under the control of the human will are ironically refuted by the fact that no group of idealists can easily move the pattern of history toward the desired goal of peace and justice. The recalcitrant forces in the historical drama have a power and persistence beyond our reckoning.
Reinhold NiebuhrReason tends to check selfish impulses and to grant the satisfaction of legitimate impulses in others.
Reinhold NiebuhrEvil is not to be traced back to the individual but to the collective behavior of humanity.
Reinhold NiebuhrWhat is so funny about us is precisely that we take ourselves too seriously. Laughter is the same and healthy response to the innocent foibles of men; and even to some which are not innocent.
Reinhold NiebuhrThe separation of church and state is necessary partly because if religion is good then the state shouldn't interfere with the religious vision or with the religious prophet. There must be a realm of truth beyond political competence, that's why there must be a separation of churches, but if religion is bad and a bad religion is one that gives an ultimate sanctity to some particular cause. Then religion mustn't interfere with the state - so one of the basic Democratic principles as we know it in America is the separation of church and state.
Reinhold Niebuhr